Londoners who enjoy the occasional cold one will soon have another option for buying beer and cider.
The Loblaws at 3040 Wonderland Rd. S is the latest grocery store in the city to be allowed to sell six-packs. The province announced on Tuesday another 76 grocery stores across the province will be allowed to sell beer and cider as of June 30.
"Ontarians welcome beer and cider in grocery stores, which provide greater convenience and choice for consumers. While today’s announcement is good news for shoppers, it also enables breweries and cideries to introduce their products to consumers in local communities across the province," said Charles Sousa, Ontario's minister of finance.
The Real Canadian Superstore in Strathroy and the Walmart Supercentre in Woodstock were also named among the second group of stores now allowed to sell beer and cider.
Currently, there are 130 Ontario grocers authorized to sell the alcoholic beverages, including 70 that are permitted to sell wine. Eventually, the program will expand to include 450 grocery retailers.
The Loblaws Oakridge Superstore on Oxford St., the Food Basics at Commissioners Rd. and Wonderland Rd., the Walmart SuperCentre on Fanshawe Park Rd. W, and the Farm Boy on Beaverbrook Ave. began selling booze in December 2015.
By law, grocers selling beer, cider, or wine must have designated sales areas and operate within standard hours of sale. They must also abide by limitations on package size and alcohol content, and meet staffing and social responsibility training requirements.
