On August 1, 2024, the Registrar’s Standards for Grocery and Convenience Stores (the “Grocery and Convenience Standards”) went into effect. The Grocery and Convenience Standards reflect changes made to the regulations under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (the “LLCA”) and the expansion of the retail framework for the sale of beverage alcohol in Ontario. The Grocery and Convenience Standards are intended to be read in conjunction with the requirements for licensees as set out in the LLCA. These Standards are applicable to licensees with the Grocery Store Licence and Convenience Store Licence only and are intended to help licensees identify and comply with their obligations for the sale, service and delivery of beverage alcohol products.
The objective of a standards-based regulatory model is to shift the focus from requiring licensees to comply with a specific set of rules or processes, towards the broader regulatory outcome or objectives that are expected to achieve. Since there may be many ways for a licensee to meet a standard, licensees have the flexibility to determine what works best for their business, thereby strengthening regulatory outcomes without needlessly burdening regulated entities.
The holders of Offsite Winery Retail Store and Brewers Retail Inc. licences, as well as holders of a Manufacturer’s Licence to Sell with a retail store endorsement will continue to be subject to the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor.
The following guides have been developed to better assist in understanding compliance obligations for retail licensees:
Please contact the AGCO anytime via the iAGCO online portal or call AGCO Customer Service Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 416-326-8700 or toll-free at 1-800-522-2876.