beer store

Ontario government says it's breaking 10-year agreement with the Beer Store

Doug Ford's provincial government has just introduced a new bill that will prematurely end its contract with The Beer Store. 

In a bid to bring beer to corner stores, Ontario's Finance Minister Vic Fedeli tabled legislation today that will break a 10-year deal it signed with the beer retailer, which is mostly owned by Labatt, Sleeman, and Molson. 

Signed in 2015, the current deal restricts the number and the types of stores that are allowed to sell brews in Ontario. It isn't slated to expire until 2025. 

"It's a near monopoly that's a bad deal for consumers and businesses and is deeply infair to the people of Ontairo," said Fedeli at a conference today.

According to an unnamed source who spoke to the CBC, this breach of contract means the government could face more than $100 million in legal fines, likely paid for by taxpayers.

Ontario's Finance Minister Vic Fedeli previously called that number "premature", saying in an interview with Newstalk 1010 that the government intends to negotiate with The Beer Store "in good faith." 

But the Beer Store, which has 452 retail stores across Ontario, has already stated that their prices will inevitably go up if the government expands booze sales to corner stores.

Lead photo by

blogTO


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Closure of Toronto restaurant after 70 years signals change for neighbourhood

Toronto neighbourhood getting much-needed grocery store after years of vacancy

Toronto store known for its fresh seafood announces sudden closure

Canadians call out Loblaw in the latest case of alleged grocery shrinkflation

Toronto restaurant named after its street and address is moving

Toronto restaurant exits high-profile new food hall

Here's when Toronto's new Shake Shack location will open

Major Canadian companies allegedly involved in vast 'potato cartel'