Throughout fiscal year 2023-24, the AGCO advanced a range of initiatives aimed at supporting Ontario’s dynamic liquor sector. These activities aligned with key government priorities while continuing to ensure alcohol is sold, served, and delivered responsibly.
- On December 14, 2023, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the alcohol sector, with plans for liquor retail expansion in Ontario.1 This expansion, the largest in almost a century, aims to introduce a surge of new retailers into the market to offer consumers greater convenience and choice, all while ensuring the sector operates with honesty, integrity and in the broader public interest. Acting as a critical leader in facilitating a stable transition of an expanded market, the AGCO continues to collaborate with the government in the development of a new regulatory framework.
- In recognition of the national and international significance of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the AGCO extended operating hours for the sale and service of alcohol, providing support to the hospitality and tourism sector.
- The AGCO continues to administer the Police Report and Last Drink Programs in partnership with the police. This is part of supporting a coordinated approach to compliance activities, which places significant emphasis on working with local community partners, including police, fire services, municipal by-law, and public health units.
- The use of mystery shoppers in the grocery sector continues to be an effective tool to aid in evaluating how grocery stores are performing in preventing youth access to alcohol. Throughout 2023–24, the AGCO expanded the Mystery Shopper Program to cover all liquor licensees operating within the province.
1 Prior to the publication of this report, on May 24, 2024, the Government announced that authorized grocery stores will be able to sell an expanded selection of liquor as of August 1, 2024, convenience stores as early as September 5, 2024, and new grocery stores and big box stores as of October 31, 2024. 