September 27, 2019
As part of the Government of Ontario’s continued efforts to enhance consumer choice and convenience, reduce administrative burden on businesses, and provide additional flexibility for those involved in the sale, service and consumption of alcohol, the government has approved two changes to regulation affecting licensed manufacturers that will come into effect on October 4, 2019.
- Changes to “By the Glass” hours of sale and service
The government has amended Regulation 719 under the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) for manufacturers (i.e. wineries, breweries and distilleries) who hold a Limited Liquor Sales Licence (commonly referred to as a “By the Glass” licence).
Effective October 4, 2019 a manufacturer with a By the Glass licence may sell and serve alcohol until 12:00 a.m. (midnight) seven days a week (except where hours are further limited by conditions on a licence). Previously, the hours of sale and service were 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This amendment is another step towards removing barriers to investment and innovation by providing businesses more flexibility in determining operational hours that meet their individual business needs.
- Increased Flexibility for Wineries Offering VQA Wine, Fruit Wine, Honey Wine, or Maple Wine for Sale at Farmers’ Markets to Return Unsold Products to On-Site Retail Stores
Regulation 720 under the LLA has also been amended to increase the time from 24 to 72 hours that a winery has to return unsold product from a farmers’ market to their on-site retail store. This change takes effect on October 4, 2019. Licensed wine manufacturers are able to sell VQA wine, fruit wine, honey wine or maple wine at an occasional extension of their on-site winery retail store within a farmers’ market. Previously, wineries were required to return any unsold product within 24 hours.
This change provides wineries increased flexibility when offering their wine for sale at farmers’ markets and supports enhanced marketing and economic development opportunities.
The AGCO remains committed to protecting public safety and ensuring that alcohol is sold, served and consumed in a responsible manner. Licensees must continue to meet all other existing requirements in the LLA and regulations.
Licence holders should review the amendments to ensure that they are in compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements. Links to electronic versions of the Liquor Licence Act and its regulations are available on our Acts and Regulations page.
For more information contact:
AGCO Customer Service
Telephone: 416-326-8700
Toll free in Ontario: 1-800-522-2876
Or via the iAGCO online portal
Info Bulletin No. 53: "By the Glass” Licence for Ontario Distilleries