Many Ontario grocery stores are reluctant to comply with the mandatory alcohol container deposit return program, with only 4 out of 70 currently accepting empties, despite a province-wide requirement starting Jan. 1, 2026. Grocers cite high costs, sanitation issues, and competitive disadvantage compared to other alcohol retailers, threatening to stop selling alcohol altogether. This situation jeopardizes the province's recycling program as The Beer Store plans to close locations.
Some Ontario grocery stores question selling booze over empties deposit program
CanadaLondonOntarioLiquor Control Board of OntarioDoug FordAlcoholic beverage retailRecyclingBeerWine
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Many Ontario grocery stores are reluctant to comply with the mandatory alcohol container deposit return program, with only 4 out of 70 currently accepting empties, despite a province-wide requirement starting Jan. 1, 2026. Grocers cite high costs, sanitation issues, and competitive disadvantage compared to other alcohol retailers, threatening to stop selling alcohol altogether. This situation jeopardizes the province's recycling program as The Beer Store plans to close locations.
Trending- 1 Last fall: 70 grocery stores required to take empties, only 4 comply
- 2 May 2024: Premier Ford announces speeding up alcohol availability to all grocery and convenience stores by 2026
- 3 Earlier this month: Grocery store associations send joint letter to Ford
- 4 Jan. 1, 2026: All grocery stores selling beer and wine must accept bottle returns; The Beer Store allowed to close unlimited stores
- Jeopardy of Ontario's alcohol container deposit return program
- Potential for grocery stores to stop selling alcohol
- Increased waste in landfills if returns become inconvenient
- Financial strain on grocery stores
- Competitive disadvantage for grocery stores compared to other alcohol retailers
- Significant costs to the province due to new alcohol agreement
What: Ontario grocery stores are questioning their participation in the mandatory alcohol container deposit return program, with very few currently complying. This is happening as The Beer Store plans to close locations, potentially jeopardizing the province's recycling program.
When: Published 2025-05-30. Mandatory acceptance for 70 grocery stores since last fall. All grocery stores selling beer and wine must accept returns by Jan. 1, 2026. The Beer Store is allowed to close unlimited stores starting Jan. 1, 2026. Premier Ford announced speeding up alcohol availability in May 2024.
Where: Ontario, Canada. Specifically mentioned London and Toronto (implied by CBC Toronto source).
Why: Grocery stores face high costs, sanitation issues, and space constraints with the deposit return program. They also feel disadvantaged by a government budget increase in wholesale alcohol discount for bars, restaurants, and convenience stores, but not for grocery stores. The Beer Store's closures further complicate the return system.
How: Grocery store associations (Retail Council of Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers) sent a joint letter to Premier Doug Ford, warning they will stop selling alcohol if the program isn't improved. The Beer Store processes returns, but its closures will shift the burden.