The Ford government is taking steps to aid bars and restaurants hurt by the coronavirus shut down. Starting Thursday, facilities still offering takeout or delivery will be able to sell booze with any food order.
A senior government source tells the Sun that the change will be posted by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission and won’t require any special applications — establishments with a valid liquor licence will be able to participate.
Booze deliveries will be able to happen between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. seven days a week, with deliveries being carried out by the restaurant themselves or by a third-party delivery service. The liquor licence holder will still be required to ensure the person ordering is of age and is not intoxicated.
The government source confirmed that delivery drivers will be granted a 30-day grace period to become Smart Serve certified so that deliveries can start immediately.
Don’t think you’ll be able to order up a jumbo margarita or hand-crafted cocktail from your local watering hole, though. Any alcohol delivered must come in a sealed container such as a bottle or can and must be sold with food.
The government is describing this as a temporary measure that may not last beyond the pandemic crisis. It’s not that radical a move, however, as the LCBO has been offering delivery through the Foodora app for several months in the Toronto area.
In addition to the delivery option, the government will allow the sale of alcohol in retail outlets as early as 7 a.m. The reason for the move is to allow seniors who are taking advantage of special shopping hours set aside for them at many grocery stores to be able add beer or wine to their food cart.
While many stores are offering special shopping arrangements for seniors between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., those grocery stores selling beer and wine have not been able to sell alcohol until 9 a.m. That change will also take effect immediately.
Source : Grape Growers of Ontario