Beer in a coolerThe Ontario government will reportedly approve some alcohol sales at corner stores starting in 2026. (Woodkern/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images)
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Ontario convenience stores begin selling booze

Licenced convenience stores across Ontario can now sell alcohol.

The new licensees were required to wait until September 5 in order to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford previously announced plans to expand the sale of alcohol to corner stores and big box stores in 2026, as part of a 2018 campaign promise.

But plans were sped up in May.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) recently released a compliance resource page on its website for convenience and grocery store licensees.

As specified by the AGCO, licenced convenience stores will be allowed to sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week — including holidays, if the store is allowed to be open. Alcohol deliveries will be permitted between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Alcohol pickup or deliveries outside of the specified hours could result in a penalty of up to $50,000 or the suspension or revocation of the store's licence.

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