If you're heading to the grocery store this week you might be able to pick-up a few brewskis along the way. Starting today beer is available at four Ottawa grocery stores.
After months of anticipation singles and six packs are now available at select grocery stores across the province. The change is the first stage in the provincial government's attempt to make Ontario's beer market more competitive and to create economic growth across the province.
"We are creating a level playing field for brewers, both big and small, so that the province's incredible brewers can grow in a fair and competitive beer market," said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne in Toronto.
Customers at College Square on Tuesday lined-up to take photographs with the new displays. The Loblaws at College Square has only a handful of brews available right now, with plans to house more than 200 different types of beers by the new year.
"There's been huge excitement about our craft beer lineup," said the College Square Store Manager Blaine Cross.
"People are really excited to have a one stop shop."
For busy moms like Adrienne Potter having beer at the grocery store is more convenient and means more time for other things.
"My husband will be happier," she said.
"I have to come here at least once a week to pick-up groceries anyway, so I may as well pick-up a few beers."
58 supermarkets are included in the first phase of the province's new beer initiative, which aims to eventually have brews in up to 450 grocery stores across Ontario. To support the province's craft beer industry at least 20 per cent of grocers' shelf space for beer must be dedicated to small brewers' products.
Where can I buy beer in Ottawa?
Four Ottawa locations are currently up and running, the other four will open in the near future.
- Sobeys on Metcalfe
- Metro on Strandherd Drive
- Real Canadian Superstore on Eagleson Road
- Sobeys on march Road
- Farm Boy on Tenth Line
- Loblaws on Baseline (College Square)
- Brown’s Your Independent Grocer in Stittsville
- Sobeys on Terry Fox
