Quebec's Beer Buying Guide: Where To Purchase

If you're looking to buy beer in Quebec, you're in luck! Unlike some other Canadian provinces, Quebec offers a variety of options for beer lovers. Beer, along with a limited selection of wine, is readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores. This means you can easily grab a cold one during your regular grocery run or a quick stop at your local corner store. However, if you're looking for a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, you'll need to visit the province's liquor corporation, known as the SAQ. So, whether you're stocking up for a party or just enjoying a casual drink, Quebec has you covered when it comes to beer and beyond!

Beer in Quebec's supermarkets

Previously, it was illegal to purchase alcohol in grocery stores or dépanneurs before 8 a.m. However, with the new law in place, individuals can now stop at a dépanneur to buy beer as early as 7 a.m. This change aligns with the province's goal to make alcohol more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Quebec's beer selection in supermarkets typically includes local and imported options. Beer lovers can find a variety of craft beers, lagers, ales, and IPAs from Quebec and other provinces. The availability of specific brands and styles may vary depending on the supermarket and its location within the province.

In addition to beer, Quebec's supermarkets may also offer a limited selection of wine. These wines are often imported in bulk and then bottled within the province. For a wider range of wines and liquors, residents typically turn to the province's liquor corporation, known as the SAQ.

The ability to purchase beer in supermarkets and convenience stores sets Quebec apart from other provinces in Canada. While some provinces, like British Columbia and Alberta, offer beer and wine in private liquor stores, Quebec's approach provides added convenience for those looking to grab a beverage with their groceries or at their local dépanneur.

Beer in convenience stores

Quebec is the only province in Canada that allows convenience stores to sell beer. This is similar to most other countries, but unique within Canada. Beer, cider, and a limited selection of wines are available in Quebec's convenience stores and supermarkets. These are all imported in bulk and bottled within the province.

Some provinces in Canada have a mix of public and private alcohol sales. In Quebec, liquor and most wines are only available through the provincial liquor board, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ). However, beer and cider can be purchased from convenience stores and supermarkets, in addition to local microbreweries.

Quebec's more relaxed alcohol laws stand in contrast to other Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, which has stricter regulations. In Ontario, alcohol is sold exclusively through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores or private retailers like The Beer Store. However, in 2024, Ontario expanded alcohol sales to grocery and convenience stores, allowing consumers to purchase ready-to-drink beverages and larger cases of beer in grocery stores.

The variation in alcohol sales across Canada can be attributed to historical factors. When prohibition ended, state liquor control was implemented to prevent public disorder by monopolising the market. Over time, some provinces broke this monopoly, allowing private retailers to sell alcohol. Quebec's decision to allow beer sales in convenience stores aligns with practices in most other countries, providing consumers with greater accessibility and convenience when purchasing alcohol.

Buying beer in Quebec as a non-resident

If you're visiting Quebec and want to buy beer, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Quebec has more relaxed alcohol laws compared to other provinces in Canada, allowing its residents to purchase beer and a limited selection of wine from supermarkets and convenience stores. This means that as a visitor, you'll easily be able to find beer at retailers across the province.

However, it's important to note that there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can purchase and transport across provincial borders. The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a law prohibiting Canadians from buying beer and liquor in one province and transporting it to another, which means you can only buy beer in Quebec for consumption within the province.

When it comes to the types of beer available, you'll find a variety of options, including local Quebec brews and international brands. The province is known for its craft beer scene, so be sure to try some of the local specialties. You can also find beer and wine that are imported in bulk and bottled in Quebec, which are available in supermarkets.

If you're looking for liquor or a wider selection of wine, you'll need to visit the province's liquor corporation, known as the SAQ. Here, you'll find a range of alcoholic beverages, including spirits, wine, and sometimes beer. The SAQ is the only place in Quebec where you can purchase liquor.

So, as a non-resident, you can easily purchase beer in Quebec for your trip by visiting local supermarkets, convenience stores, or the SAQ. Just remember to enjoy responsibly and be mindful of the provincial laws regarding alcohol transportation.

Liquor and wine in Quebec

Quebec has a more liberal approach to alcohol sales than other Canadian provinces. While alcohol can be purchased at government-owned liquor and wine stores, it can also be bought at grocery and convenience stores.

The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is a government corporation with the exclusive primary distribution rights in Quebec on all alcoholic beverages, except light cider, Quebec-bottled beer, and imported beer distributed by a distributor's permit holder. In 2018, the SAQ had 409 stores across the province. In the same year, 7,384 grocery and convenience stores held permits to sell alcohol.

The Régie des alcools des courses et des jeux (RACJ) is responsible for issuing permits for the production, distribution, and possession of alcohol, as well as approving advertisements for alcoholic beverages. Permits are mandatory to produce, distribute, deliver, store, and sell alcoholic beverages in Quebec, except for the SAQ.

In Quebec, liquor and most wines are only sold in stores operated by the SAQ (Quebec Liquor Board). However, some wines and all Canadian beers are available in grocery stores and supermarkets from 8 am to 11 pm.

Quebec City has several SAQ stores near the city centre and main commercial streets. These include:

• 853, rue St-Jean, G1R 1R2 (Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood)
• 1059, avenue Cartier, G1R 2S6 (Montcalm district)
• 400, boul. Jean-Lesage - Bureau 057 - Place-Jean-Lesage, G1K 8W1 (Saint-Roch neighbourhood)
• 1185, 3e Avenue, G1L 2X5 (Limoilou neighbourhood)
• 1305, avenue Maguire, G1T 1Z2 (Sillery)

Alcohol laws in Quebec

Quebec's alcohol laws are notably more relaxed than those of neighbouring Ontario, where residents have fewer options for purchasing alcohol. In Quebec, alcoholic beverages can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, whereas in Ontario, alcohol can only be purchased from the LCBO, the Beer Store, and the Wine Rack.

The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is a government corporation responsible for selling alcoholic beverages in the province. In 2018-2019, the SAQ sold nearly $3.294 billion worth of alcoholic products and paid $1.146 billion in dividends to the Government of Quebec. The SAQ has exclusive primary distribution rights in Quebec for all alcoholic beverages, except for light cider, beer bottled in Quebec, and imported beer distributed by a distributor's permit holder. The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) is responsible for issuing permits for the production, distribution, and possession of alcohol, as well as approving advertisements for alcoholic beverages.

The legal drinking age in Quebec is 18, and the consumption of alcohol in public places is generally forbidden, although drinking low-alcohol beverages with food is permitted. Bars and other licensed establishments are allowed to remain open until 3 am, and some restaurants allow customers to bring their own wine or beer. The sale of alcohol, both on and off-premises, is appointed by provincial and territorial jurisdiction, with most provinces banning "tied houses" (bars affiliated with only one alcohol supplier) in favour of free houses that offer products from multiple suppliers.

In Quebec, permits are mandatory to produce, distribute, deliver, store, and sell alcoholic beverages, except for the SAQ. The RACJ issues liquor permits to places of business such as bars, restaurants, and grocery stores, allowing them to sell or serve alcohol to the public.

Frequently asked questions