Residents of Ontario’s cottage country may have some more liquor options in the near future.
According to an announcement by the Progressive Conservative government made today, the LCBO will be establishing agency stores in 200 “under-served” communities across the province. The government has also said 87 more grocery stores will be allowed to sell cider, wine and beer in September.
Those locations will be chosen by a lottery process.
“Whether driving to the cottage or running errands, consumers across Ontario will now have more places to pick up beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages,” said Minister of Finance Vic Fedeli in the announcement. “Our government is committed to delivering greater choice and convenience to individuals and families, and this expansion is just the beginning.”
Up to 60 of the new convenience outlet stores are expected to open in August, and up to 150 new locations are expected to open by December. Additional stores would open next spring.
The new stores will be called “LCBO Convenience Outlets”, and the LCBO is looking for applications from local retailers in the new communities. Of the possible spots for a new location, these are in the cottage country area:
- Emsdale
- Harcourt
- Irondale
- Milford Bay
- Minett
- Nobel
- Norland
- Rolphton
- Sprucedale
- Utterson
- Windermere
- Wolseley Bay
The announcement comes after the province announced the end of its contract with The Beer Store, which prompted concern over a potential lawsuit from the brewing companies that own the outlet.
A full list of the new locations can be found on the LCBO’s website.
Written by James Wood