US EditionCheers or Concern over Ford’s Support for Alcohol Sector
- Ontario's government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has recently expanded alcohol sales to convenience and grocery stores through a liberalization policy implemented in late 2024.
- This policy shift aims to reduce taxes and fees on alcohol, increase consumer choices, and support small businesses amid declining provincial alcohol consumption and revenues.
- The expansion included granting more than 5,000 convenience store licenses to sell alcohol, accompanied by investments exceeding $250 million for market support and $175 million on a grape program to boost Ontario wine production.
- Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy praised the changes, stating "It's going extremely well" and emphasizing tax reductions to put more money into consumers and small businesses despite drops in LCBO revenues and tax income.
- Opposition leaders criticized the budget's focus on alcohol sales over social needs, while the government continues pursuing trade deals to enable direct-to-consumer sales and further reform the alcohol market.
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NiagaraFallsReview.ca+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
What’s new at the LCBO: New drink arrivals (including non-alcoholic) and how to support Canadian brands
While spirits, wine, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers/cocktails and non-alcoholic products produced in the U.S. are not available in LCBO retail stores or LCBO Convenience Outlets, these are the new Canadian products to check out.
·Niagara Falls, Canada
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The Toronto StarReposted by 
St Catharines Standard
St Catharines StandardOntario pushes local cannabis, booze in budget as LCBO revenues slide
The plan — which includes easing restrictions on cannabis storefronts to make them "more welcoming" — is detailed in Thursday's Ontario budget along with $100 million in tax breaks this
·Toronto, Canada
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Leaning Left9Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Left
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