Residents ordering food from their favourite local restaurants will continue to be able to get alcoholic beverages with their meals.
A temporary measure, announced in March by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has been made permanent. It allows bars and restaurants to sell beer, wine, and spirits with takeout and delivery orders.
Attorney General Doug Downey told CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Thursday morning that they're building on actions taken early in the pandemic to help businesses rebuild and recover.
"If you got a local brew, then it helps them if they're on tap, it helps them move product too and keeps it local right from start to finish," said Downey. "It helps your local restaurant, it helps the people that work in them, it helps the consumer because they're getting what they want and it helps your local pubs."
Downey said he understands it's been a difficult time for restaurants.
"Has it ever, and I hear from them and are they ever happy that we're doing this," he said. "We're giving them a chance to continue their business, to maintain what they're doing in our communities and I'm excited to be able to help them out."
Downey said they're also expanding what beers and spirits can be allowed in restaurant takeout and delivery orders to include mixed cocktails and growlers.
Those delivering alcohol will continue to be required to check for identification, must have Smart Serve training, and cannot sell or serve people already intoxicated.
-With files from Matt McNeill