Starting Thursday, 450 stores across Ontario already licensed to sell beer, wine, and ciders can begin ordering coolers and seltzers. They can sell these beverages as soon as they arrive. This is part of a fast-tracked plan by the provincial government to increase the availability of ready-to-drink cocktails on shelves during an ongoing strike with Ontario’s liquor retailer.
Michelle Wasylyshen with the Retail Council of Canada notes that consumers might not see the products immediately, considering shipping and logistics.
This move comes after 10,000 LCBO workers walked off the job on July 5th. The strike centers around the issue of increasing the availability of ready-to-drink cocktails. By expanding the selection of beverages available in stores, the government aims to address consumer demand despite the ongoing labor dispute. The plan is seen as a temporary solution to ensure that Ontarians continue to have access to a wide variety of alcoholic beverages during the strike.
Locally, the Independent in Carleton Place sells alcohol. The Superstore in Brockville sells it as well. There is also a wine retailer at that location.
We are reaching out to other local grocery stores to see if they plan to be part of the program.