The Beer Store, a popular retail chain in Ontario, will now be able to sell lottery tickets as part of a new agreement with the provincial government. This decision was announced on Tuesday, following negotiations between the government and the Beer Store’s owners, Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman.
Under the new agreement, the Beer Store will be allowed to sell lottery tickets at all of its 450 locations across the province. This includes both scratch tickets and draw-based games such as Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49. The lottery tickets will be sold at designated checkout lanes, separate from alcohol purchases.
This move comes after years of debate and pressure from the Beer Store to expand their product offerings. Currently, the Beer Store is the only retailer in Ontario that is not allowed to sell lottery tickets. This has been a point of contention for the company, as they argued that it put them at a disadvantage compared to other retailers who are able to offer a wider range of products.
The new agreement is seen as a win-win for both the Beer Store and the provincial government. The Beer Store will now be able to increase their revenue by offering lottery tickets, while the government will benefit from increased sales and revenue from the lottery.
In addition to the sale of lottery tickets, the Beer Store has also agreed to increase their support for Ontario’s craft beer industry. They will now be required to dedicate 20% of their shelf space to local craft beers, up from the previous 10%. This move is expected to boost the visibility and sales of small, independent breweries in the province.
The new agreement has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a positive step towards modernizing the Beer Store and providing more convenience for customers, others are concerned about the potential impact on small, independent retailers who currently sell lottery tickets.
The details of the agreement are still being finalized, but it is expected to come into effect later this year. This marks a significant change for the Beer Store, which has been a staple in Ontario’s retail landscape for over 90 years.
