Updated: Apr 30, 2021
In response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the Ontario Government declared a third provincial emergency and issued a province-wide stay-at-home order. The stay-at-home order is in effect as of today, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. More information is available in the government’s news release.
In addition to the public health measures of the emergency brake announced on April 3, 2021, additional public health measures are now in place. Licensees and operators are encouraged to read the full list of restrictions.
To help licensees understand the implications of these new measures, the AGCO is highlighting relevant information for each sector for ease of reference.
Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments
- Take out, drive through, and delivery permitted only (includes the sale of alcohol).
- Night clubs and strip clubs only permitted to open if they operate as a food or drink establishment, for takeout, drive-through and delivery only.
- The sale of alcohol continues to be allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Stores that sell liquor, beer, wine and spirits
Stores that sell liquor, including beer, wine and spirits may open for in-person shopping:
- at a maximum capacity of 25%
- between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for sales
Cannabis stores
Cannabis stores are open for curbside pickup and delivery only.
- For curbside pickup, by appointment, between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- To provide delivery between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- The AGCO is amending the Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores to reflect the updated hours for cannabis pick-up and delivery.
- All applicants for Retail Store Authorizations and authorized stores are expected to comply with regulatory requirements and emergency orders, including those pertaining to construction work. Please refer to your local public health unit if you have specific questions regarding the applicability or impacts of public health restrictions on the construction of cannabis retail stores.
Horse Racing
- Horse racing must remain closed for racing and for spectators but may remain open for training purposes only.
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments must remain closed to the public.
Gathering limits
All events and social gatherings:
- Indoors: not allowed, except with members of your household (or one other household if you live alone)
- Outside: 5 people
Religious, wedding and funeral services:
- Indoors: 15% capacity of the room
- Outside: the number of people that can keep two metres physical distance from each other
- This does not apply to receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors
Licensees and operators must follow public health measures enacted by the province and any additional restrictions in place in their municipality and they must continue to meet all other existing legislative and regulatory requirements. The AGCO is working closely with the Government of Ontario to find ways of supporting Ontarians and the sectors we regulate.