The Ontario government is trying to make it more convenient to buy alcohol by adding 'LCBO Express' outlets in area grocery stores.
The outlets are expected to be located inside large grocery retailers and carry a range of the LCBO's best-selling beer, wine and spirits, including Ontario craft beer and VQA wine.
Minister of Finance Charles Sousa says "The initial [requests for proposals] will be issued for Ottawa, areas of Toronto, Mississauga and Niagara and London as the first pilot to these new stores."
Retailers interested in playing host to LCBO Express locations must have at least 2,000 square feet of retail space available within their existing store and apply by May 9th.
The outlets, much smaller than the average 15,000 square foot LCBO store, are expected to be located in areas without a nearby liquor outlet.
As part of the pilot project up to 10 stores are planned, and the mini LCBO locations are expected to open by the end of 2014. If succesful, the project would be expanded.
But those hoping for a late-night liquor run are out of luck, as Sousa says the outlets will keep the same hours as regular LCBO locations, not the grocery store where they're located.
With files from The Canadian Press
