Fortified wines could be coming to Ontario convenience stores
The Toronto Star is reporting that the Ontario government may allow convenience stores to sell fortified wines and similar products as port and vermouth.
According to reporting in newspaper, a senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says the government will propose minor regulation changes that will give convenience store operators the go-ahead to add fortified wines to the mix of beverage alcohol products allowed to be sold at the stores.
This change is said to happen on Thursday, October 10, just in time for the Thanksgiving long weekend and the approaching Christmas holiday.
On September 5th, the Ontario government formally allowed all licensed convenience stores in province to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. On that day, 4,187 convenience stores across Ontario were licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, in addition to nearly 3,000 other licensed retail outlets as well as takeaway options from licensed bars and restaurants.
READ: LCBO provides new data on c-store beverage alcohol orders
“Today’s expansion delivers on our government’s promise to give people in Ontario the same choice and convenience enjoyed by people throughout the rest of Canada,” said Premier Doug Ford upon the opening of the market. “With today’s announcement, we’re also creating new opportunities to produce and sell world-class Ontario-made beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages in nearly 4,200 convenience stores across the province.”
