TORONTO — Beginning in 2026, the LCBO will become the exclusive wholesaler for all retailers, bars and restaurants selling alcohol. This will include licensed bars and restaurants transitioning to order all alcohol, including beer, from LCBO’s online-ordering process.
To facilitate a safe, stable, and predictable transition to the new marketplace, The Beer Store will maintain its role wholesaling to bars, restaurants, and southern LCBO Convenience Outlets until 2026.
In a recent press release, the Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association (ORHMA) applauded this announcement. “We have been advocating with the Ministry of Finance to address the challenges faced by the foodservice industry and support our members in developing a stronger business model,” reads the release. “Under the current alcohol-purchasing system, our members have incurred higher operational costs. We will continue to collaborate with the government to advocate for the issues that matter most to you.”
