If you’re in Kitchener/Waterloo, or anywhere else in Ontario, and looking for a quick way to find where to buy alcohol, the province has made it easy with their online tool. Whether you’re interested in local wines, craft beers, or spirits, this tool is designed to help you find retailers near you in just a few clicks. From wineries and breweries to the LCBO and local convenience stores, here’s how you can use this handy resource to support local businesses and plan your next purchase.
Using the Online Tool to Find Alcohol Near You
Ontario’s online tool is user-friendly and gives you access to a map where you can search for retailers selling alcoholic beverages. You can enter a location name, address, city, or even a complete postal code to find results tailored to your area. For Kitchener/Waterloo residents, this is particularly helpful as the region is home to several local breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Features of the Tool:
- Search by Location: Enter a specific place or address to see all the nearby stores, breweries, and wineries.
- Filter by Beverage Type: Looking for beer, cider, wine, or spirits? You can easily filter the results to match your preference.
- Support Local Businesses: The map highlights local Ontario-made products, making it easy to support your neighborhood breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
- Contact Retailers Directly: Product availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to contact the retailer directly for the latest information on stock and operational hours.
Access the tool online here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-buy-alcoholic-beverages
Expanding Alcohol Sales in Ontario
Ontario is in the process of expanding where you can buy alcohol. This includes more options at convenience stores, grocery stores, and big-box retailers. Here’s what to expect:
- Convenience Stores and Groceries: Many licensed convenience and grocery stores in Ontario now sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages like coolers and hard seltzers. This offers a great deal of convenience for Kitchener/Waterloo shoppers who can grab their favorite beverages while doing their usual shopping.
- New Opportunities Starting October 31, 2024: More big-box grocery stores and other licensed grocery retailers will begin selling alcoholic beverages. If you’re planning ahead, this expansion means even more accessible shopping for your favorite drinks in Kitchener/Waterloo and across Ontario.
Where to Buy Spirits and More
While beer, cider, and wine are becoming available in more places, spirits like vodka, gin, and whisky will still be sold exclusively at LCBO stores, LCBO Convenience Outlets, and distillery retail stores. The LCBO remains Ontario’s primary retailer and wholesaler for spirits, so if you’re looking for a specific bottle of whisky or gin in Kitchener/Waterloo, the LCBO is the place to go.
The Role of the Beer Store
For beer lovers, The Beer Store is another great option. Not only can you buy a wide selection of beers, but The Beer Store also runs Ontario’s provincewide recycling program for beverage containers. If you’re looking to support sustainability, bringing your empty containers back to The Beer Store for recycling is a fantastic way to reduce waste while enjoying your favorite brews.
Finding where to buy alcohol near you in Kitchener/Waterloo has never been easier, thanks to Ontario’s online tool. Whether you’re searching for local craft beers, spirits, or Ontario-made wines, this tool is designed to help you make the right choice while supporting local businesses. And with the upcoming expansion in October 2024, you’ll have even more convenient options to explore.
So, next time you’re planning a get-together or just stocking up for the weekend, give Ontario’s online tool a try to discover your closest alcohol retailers. It’s simple, easy to use, and keeps you connected to local products in your community.
