The Ontario government has announced that the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) which enables a comprehensive modernization of regulations related to beverage alcohol in Ontario, will take effect on November 29, 2021.

We are working with our partners at the AGCO on the transition of some responsibilities regarding winery off-site warehousing and consolidated distribution of Ontario beer, wine, cider and spirits. We will share a more detailed update to the Trade community as soon as possible.

Until that time, below is a summary of the other changes coming into effect based on the LLCA.

Winery and Distillery Reporting & Remittances

To reduce administrative burden, new regulation under the LLCA introduces flexibility for the reporting of sale data and remittances to LCBO.  This includes the remitting of containers deposits, direct delivery to licensees and duty-free mark-up and fees by wineries and small distillers.

•    For sales as of April 1, 2022, all wineries and distillers will be given 10 additional days to submit their reports and remittances to LCBO. Monthly reports and remittances for the previous calendar month will be due on the 20th day of each month.

•    Wineries and distilleries with remittances less than $100,000 in the previous calendar year will have the option to make quarterly submissions.

•    Businesses will have the ability to opt-out if the quarterly frequency is not suitable for them.

•    Winery and distillery report templates will be updated and shortened to focus on essential data collection.

The LCBO Winery and Distillery Reporting Team will issue further guidance and reach out individually to all businesses who are impacted by this change in early 2022.

SmartServe Training – Duty Free Operators

Under the updated regulations, LCBO retains oversight of sales made by Duty Free Operators. To ensure consistency in the employee training, LCBO will introduce a new requirement for all operator employees selling beverage alcohol to the public to complete SmartServe training. This requirement will come into effect July 1, 2023 and further communication will follow at a later date.

Pricing Changes in December

Regulation related to pricing have been updated to remove the prohibition to make beer price changes in December that was previously found in section 11(1) paragraph 3 of Ontario Regulation 116/10. For more information, please contact Brad Bach, Senior Manager, Pricing Administration (Acting) at bradley.bach@lcbo.com.

Updated Forms and Manuals

LCBO continues to review the content of its operational manuals and website to integrate legislative changes and remove outdated mentions of revoked legislation. Updated content will be posted ahead of proclamation on November 29, 2021

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We will be in touch again soon with more information.