In response to rising COVID-19 cases, the Ontario Government declared a second provincial emergency and announced a number of new public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. On Thursday, January 14, 2021, a stay-at-home order took effect in Ontario requiring everyone to remain at home with limited exceptions. More information is available in the government’s news release.
The stay-at-home order will be in effect for at least 28 days.
During this period, all liquor retailers must restrict their operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The restricted hours do not apply to restaurants offering liquor with food orders for takeout or delivery, these activities continue to be allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cannabis retail stores are able to continue offering curbside pickup and delivery but must also restrict their operating hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Products must be delivered by 8 p.m. An item may only be provided for curbside pickup if the customer ordered the item before arriving at the business premises. Payment may be completed at the time of the order or at the time of the curbside pick-up or delivery. The AGCO is amending Standard 9.3 to reflect the restricted hours for cannabis delivery.
Non-essential construction must cease. This includes construction at the premises of an applicant for a cannabis retail store making preparations to build out their premises.
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.
For more information, please read about additional details published by the government on public health measures here. You can also consult the AGCO blog to see the most recent highlights on public health measures affecting AGCO regulated sectors.