Ontario Permanently Allowing Alcohol with
Food Takeout and Delivery
The Ontario government has announced that they are making the sale of alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders permanent, a measure taken to support restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries who have been hit hard as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ontario previously approved these changes on a temporary basis to support businesses significantly impacted by the spread of COVID-19. On behalf of Ontario's hospitality industry, ORHMA was committed to advocacting for this to be a permanent service. The province is now permanently allowing licensed restaurants and bars to include alcohol with food as part of a takeout or delivery order.

Additional permanent reforms for the hospitality sector will allow:

  • alcohol service on docked boats by operators with a liquor sales licence;
  • reduced minimum pricing of spirits consumed on-site, to align with the reduced pricing introduced for takeout and delivery orders;
  • the length of time for temporary patio extensions to be set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO); and,
  • for a requirement that ensures third parties delivering from licensed restaurants and bars have a delivery licence.

The requirements that apply to alcohol sales, service and delivery will continue to apply to boats with a liquor sales licence and liquor delivery services, including checking ID, Smart Serve training and not serving or selling to intoxicated people.

The province is also supporting businesses by:

  • removing restrictive rules to allow for the delivery of alcoholic beverages in food boxes and meal kits;
  • allowing eligible alcohol manufacturers to deliver their own products and charge a delivery fee;
  • allowing restaurants and bars to offer mixed cocktails and growlers as part of a takeout or delivery order; and,
  • permitting eligible manufacturers to sell spirits and 100 per cent Ontario wine at farmers markets.

Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA)
2600 Skymark Ave, Suite 8-201 Mississauga, ON L4W 5B2
905-361-0268 / 1-800 -668-8906
info@orhma.com | www.orhma.com