Starting today, the LCBO, Beer Store and other authorized retailers will extend their hours of operation! You will now be able to purchase alcohol between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. seven days a week, which means no more early hour closures on weekends!

We can all thank Doug Ford for these new extended hours, as it is part of his economic statement to align the hours of alcohol distributors with recreational cannabis stores when they open in April.

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Before the announcement, most LCBO stores were open until (at the latest) 9 p.m. in Toronto and even earlier on Sundays and was managed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

This switch in the hours is not only for the convenience of the consumer but also to “provide retailers with the flexibility to respond to local market conditions and consumer demands,” the provincial government has stated.

Finance Minister Vic Fedeli made the announcement on Twitter today stating, “This is about improved choice, access and convenience for the customers. Enjoy Responsibly!”

Starting today, LCBO stores (including agency stores), The Beer Store, authorized grocery stores and off-site winery retail stores can sell alcohol between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. seven days a week. Improved choice, access and convenience for the people. Enjoy responsibly! #onpoli pic.twitter.com/YYxdmuZZyx — Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) December 2, 2018

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All store hours aren’t extended just yet, and it may take time to implement the change fully, so make sure to double check hours before you wander to your local LCBO this evening!

However, the Provincial Government has stated that it is confident that many retailers will take advantage of the new hours due to “consumer demand” (AKA us) and many stores will be abiding by these new hours by April if they haven’t already!

Source: CBC, City News