Grocery shoppers in Listowel and Port Elgin can now add beer or wine to their carts.
Zehrs in Listowel and Rowland’s Your Independent Grocer in Port Elgin begin the sale of wine and beer on Friday.
They are among 20 new locations across the province announced by Loblaw Companies Limited.
The select Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, Your Independent Grocer, Fortinos and No Frills locations are added to the original 19 stores licensed to sell beer and cider.
Over the coming months, the stores will stock more than 400 varieties of wine, 200 beer and 25 cider options, including local and regional favourites and international products.
Meanwhile, the head of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union President Warren Thomas is accusing the premier and the grocery store lobby of being "villains." Thomas was reacting to today's announcement that 20 more grocery stores under the Loblaw Companies banner will start selling wine and beer.
In a news release, Thomas states the move is another step in the backdoor privatization of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. He says the grocery store lobby is "hungry for profit, and the premier is desperate to save her political hide."
Starting today, wine, beer and cider is for sale on shelves in a total of 67 grocery stores.