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Buying your next six-pack or bottle of wine will soon be as close as your nearest corner store.

Calling the change “long overdue,” Finance Minister Vic Fedeli said Thursday that Ontario will expand retail sales of beer and wine to convenience stores, “big box” retailers, and an increased number of grocery stores.

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“There are more than 8,000 retail stores in Quebec selling beverage alcohol, but less than 3,000 in Ontario,” he said during his budget speech. “The time for change is long overdue.”

As reported in theToronto Sun earlier this week, the province will begin issuing permits for tailgating for major sporting events, and legislation is on the way to allow municipally-created alcohol consumption areas in parks.

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And mimosa-brunchers rejoyce – licenced restaurants can begin serving alcohol at 9 a.m. The province will also allow the introduction of “happy hour” rules for bars similar to those in other provinces.