Newfoundland Beer In Ontario: What's Available?

Alcohol sales vary from province to province in Canada. In Ontario, beer can be purchased from government-owned outlets, private outlets, and some grocery stores. In Newfoundland and Labrador, beer is available at government-owned liquor stores, directly from craft breweries, and at some corner stores and gas stations. Beer prices are standard across Newfoundland, and the selection may vary based on the retailer.

Beer prices in Newfoundland

The Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) is the government-owned retailer for alcoholic beverages in the province. The NLC offers a wide range of beer brands, including local and international options. Their website provides an online product catalog with prices for various pack sizes, ranging from single bottles to cases of 12 or more. For example, a 12-pack of 355ml Landwash Smiling Land Light Lager cans is available for $24.99 at the NLC.

In addition to the NLC, beer can also be purchased at corner stores and gas stations in Newfoundland. These retailers typically carry a selection of domestic beers, including those brewed by local breweries such as Labatt, Molson, and Quidi Vidi. The prices at these stores may vary, but they often sell single bottles or cans, as well as smaller packs. For instance, a single bottle of Blue Star, a local beer brand, might cost around $3 to $4 at a corner store.

Craft breweries in Newfoundland, such as Quidi Vidi, Storm Brewing, and Yellowbelly, also offer their beers for sale directly to customers. These breweries often have taprooms or breweries where visitors can purchase beer by the glass or in larger quantities to go. The prices at craft breweries can vary, but they typically reflect the small-batch and specialty nature of their products. For example, a 4-pack of craft beer from Quidi Vidi might cost around $15 to $20.

Overall, the price of beer in Newfoundland depends on the brand, quantity, and retailer. Beers from larger breweries, such as Labatt and Molson, tend to be more affordable and widely available, while craft beers from smaller breweries may be more expensive and sold in smaller quantities.

Where to buy Newfoundland beer

If you're looking to buy Newfoundland beer, you've got several options.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Eastern Canada where beer is available at some corner stores and gas stations. These will be locally brewed beers, and the prices are regulated and should be the same across the province.

You can also buy beer at government-owned liquor stores or directly from the few craft breweries operating in the province. The Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) has 24 Liquor Store locations and 5 Satellite Store locations, with an extensive selection of beer, including local brews. NLC’s Wholesale operations also supply 146 Liquor Express locations and over 1,400 licensees, including bars, lounges and restaurants.

If you're looking for a wider selection of beers, including imported options, you can try the Liquor Express stores, which are located primarily in rural areas.

So, in short, you can buy Newfoundland beer at corner stores, gas stations, government-owned liquor stores, craft breweries, and bars and restaurants with off-sale licences.

Beer sales in Ontario

In 2024, Ontario expanded alcohol sales further by allowing ready-to-drink beverages and larger cases of beer in grocery stores, and beer, wine, cider, and hard beverages in corner stores. This move was met with criticism from health professionals and social responsibility advocates, who raised concerns about the potential negative impact on public health and social issues.

The pricing of beer in Ontario is standardized, and there are no significant price differences between different retailers. However, the selection of beer available may vary depending on the type of store. Grocery stores and corner stores may carry a limited range of beer brands, while The Beer Store and LCBO outlets offer a wider variety, including imported and craft beers.

In summary, while beer sales in Ontario were previously restricted to specific stores, the province has gradually expanded sales to grocery stores and corner stores. The standardized pricing means that consumers can expect to pay similar prices across different retailers, but the selection of beer brands and types may vary.

Alcohol laws in Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Eastern Canada where locally brewed beer is available at some corner stores and gas stations. The province has a longstanding rule that allows the sale of domestic beer in these retail environments, and it is commonplace to find beers from large local breweries such as Labatt, Molson, and Quidi Vidi in these locations. The availability of beer in corner stores and gas stations is a unique feature of the province, and these stores primarily sell traditional "domestic" bottles and cans due to limited space.

In addition to the NLC's retail operations, the corporation also has wholesale operations that supply Liquor Express locations and licensees. Liquor Express stores are typically located in rural areas and receive a commission from the NLC on their product sales. Licensees, including bars, lounges, and restaurants, are licensed by the NLC Regulatory Services to purchase alcoholic beverages for resale to customers. The NLC's regulatory services are responsible for regulating all licensed establishments in the province in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Liquor Control Act, the Liquor Corporation Act, and the Smoke-Free Environmental Act.

Newfoundland and Labrador have also implemented strict drunk driving laws to promote road safety. These laws include a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 22, with a penalty of a seven-day driving suspension for registering any blood-alcohol content. For older offenders, vehicles may be impounded for a certain period, and ignition interlocks may be mandatory for certain offenders. These changes to the Highway Traffic Act were developed in consultation with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Beer in Ontario grocery stores

Previously, beer could only be purchased from The Beer Store, a foreign-owned entity, or at government-owned LCBO outlets. The Beer Store has been scrutinized for its monopoly on beer sales in the province. The introduction of beer sales in grocery stores was part of a wider alcohol expansion plan, which also included the sale of beer, wine, cider, and hard beverages in corner stores.

Beer prices in Ontario grocery stores are set by the supplier, who submits product quotes, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) applies a markup. The NLC is a Provincial Crown Corporation responsible for managing the importation, sale, and distribution of beverage alcohol in the province. It operates 24 Liquor Store locations and 5 Satellite Store locations, as well as supplying 146 Liquor Express locations and over 1,400 licensees, including bars, lounges, and restaurants.

The NLC carries an extensive selection of beer, both imported and locally produced. The price of beer in Ontario is consistent across all retail channels, and there are regulations in place to prevent beer from being sold for less than the minimum price.

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