The provincial government is permanently allowing the sale of alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders, they announced on Wednesday.
Ontario had enacted the temporary sale of alcohol through food deliveries and pick-ups in March as a way to support struggling restaurants and bars as the pandemic was beginning to roll in.
Months later, booze-to-go is here to stay.
"Ontario's vibrant hospitality sector and its workers have been hard hit by COVID-19 in every community across our province," says Attorney General Doug Downey.
"We're building on the actions we took early in the pandemic to support local restaurants, bars and other businesses by providing permanent help to workers and small businesses as they face these ongoing challenges."
The new permanent reforms will allow for greater versatility in alcohol sales in Ontario.
Eligible alcohol manufacturers will be able to deliver their own products and charge a delivery fee. Local wineries and distilleries will also be able to sell spirits and 100 per cent Ontario wine at farmers markets.
Ontario is additionally removing restrictions to allow for the delivery of alcohol in meal kits, which have been growing in popularity among Toronto restaurants.
The government will also allow for docked boats to sell alcohol with a liquor sales license.
Requirements applying to alcohol sales, service and delivery under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will sustain these new measures, including ID-checking, Smart Serve training and not serving or selling to intoxicated people.
"The AGCO's focus on delivering strong and effective regulatory services includes looking for every opportunity to reduce burden, simplify rules, and offer greater flexibility," says Tom Mungham, CEO & Registrar of the AGCO.
This is the latest act by the provincial government to support local restaurants and bars.
Previously, they had reduced alcohol prices to encourage buying from local businesses.
The Ontario government also announced two weeks ago a proposed commission cap on third-party delivery services.
"Local restaurants and bars are essential to community life in this province," says Downey.
"We are taking actions to provide more opportunities for Ontarians to directly support their local communities when and how public health directives permit."
