July 15, 2020
The Government of Ontario has made changes to the province’s liquor laws to give consumers more options for delivery services when purchasing alcohol from retail stores.
Effective today, the government has removed the provision in Regulation 718 under the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) that prohibits liquor delivery service licensees from using contractors in the delivery of liquor. This permanent change will enable greater participation in the liquor delivery market from existing delivery companies and rapid delivery businesses with large customer bases. It will also provide increased convenience and choice for consumers, particularly as individuals are encouraged to continue physical distancing.
The holder of the liquor delivery service licence remains accountable for ensuring delivery contractors comply with all requirements of the regulation, including the responsible sale and service of alcohol. Individuals involved in the delivery of alcohol must be Smart Serve certified before they can deliver.
Applications for a liquor delivery service licence can be completed through iAGCO, the AGCO’s online portal.
Several additional changes that impact liquor delivery service licensees are noted below:
- Liquor delivery services are now permitted to enter into agreements with manufacturers who have retail stores or The Beer Store to facilitate the purchase and delivery of liquor on behalf of a customer. These agreements may include, for example, the listing of products on the liquor delivery service’s website or app. Where a liquor delivery service chooses to enter into such agreements, the agreement:
- Cannot restrict a liquor delivery service or manufacturer from entering into further agreements.
- Only applies to the purchase and delivery of liquor before July 1, 2021.
- Obtaining a receipt signed by the customer at the time of delivery is no longer required. This is a permanent change.
- Delivery to any private place is now permitted. Generally, the regulation defines private place as an indoor place to which the public is not ordinarily invited or permitted access. Previously, delivery could only be to a residential address. This is a permanent change.
The AGCO remains committed to protecting public safety and ensuring that alcohol is sold, served and consumed in a responsible manner. Liquor Delivery Service licensees must continue to meet all existing requirements in the LLA and regulations.
Links to electronic versions of the LLA 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