Drink DirectOntario Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Sales
Active frameworkNot legal advice. This is a plain-language summary of Ontario's published rules, drawn from the sources listed here and last checked 2026-07-24. Since requirements can change, always check with the provincial liquor regulator before shipping or ordering alcohol.
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Overview
Ontario lets residents order beer, wine, and spirits directly from an authorized producer in another participating province, shipped either straight from the producer or through a licensed third-party carrier. Ontario producers get the same access selling into those provinces. The legal basis is Bill 2, a 2025 provincial law: it gave the province authority to sign these agreements (new section 77.1 of the Liquor Licence and Control Act) and put the LCBO in charge of running the program on Ontario's end (new section 5.1 of the LCBO Act).
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For consumers
If you live in Ontario, you can order beer, wine, or spirits directly from an authorized producer in another participating province. There's no special registration to receive a shipment. You do need to meet Ontario's legal drinking age of 19, and you should expect to show ID when the order arrives. Orders come either straight from the producer or through a licensed third-party shipper.
For producers
If you're an Ontario brewery selling out of province, you need a Manufacturer's Licence to Sell under the Liquor Licence and Control Act.
If you're based in another participating province and want to sell into Ontario, you apply to the LCBO for an Out-of-Province Direct-to-Consumer Authorization. The process: fill out an online form, then review and sign the LCBO's authorization once approved, and email a signed copy to lcbo-policy@lcbo.com. LCBO's own guidance says this can take up to three weeks.
Cross-selling is allowed too. You can ship alcohol you didn't manufacture yourself, as long as you hold a valid Manufacturer's Authorization.
Worth flagging: the interprovincial agreement only lists the AGCO Brewery Licence as Ontario's origin-side authorization. It doesn't mention the Brewery Retail Store Endorsement, and AGCO hasn't said whether an Ontario brewery shipping only its own beer through the interprovincial program still needs that endorsement too. We'd confirm directly with AGCO before assuming your Brewery Licence alone covers you.
Frequently asked questions
Can an out-of-province brewery ship beer directly to Ontario customers?
Yes, once you've received LCBO DTC authorization. Holding a manufacturing licence in your home province isn't enough on its own, you'll still need to apply for authorization before selling into Ontario.
How do I apply for LCBO DTC authorization?
Submit LCBO's online application, then review and sign the authorization once approved. LCBO says processing can take up to three weeks, so don't plan on shipping to Ontario before it's confirmed.
What LCBO markup and reporting apply once I'm authorized?
You remit the applicable LCBO markup and file quarterly reports, including a NIL report for any quarter with no Ontario sales. See LCBO's obligations page for the current markup calculation and reporting templates.
Can I use Shopify to sell alcohol directly in Ontario?
Yes, once you're LCBO-authorized. Shopify can run your storefront, but it doesn't replace compliant pricing, checkout, and delivery controls.
Can an Ontario brewery ship beer directly to customers in other provinces?
Yes, on eligible routes, as long as you hold your Manufacturer's Licence to Sell. You'll need to follow that province's rules and get its destination approval if it requires one.
Can I order alcohol from another province and have it shipped to Ontario?
Yes, as long as the producer holds LCBO DTC authorization and you're ordering for personal use.
Can I order craft beer directly from a Canadian brewery in Ontario?
Yes, if that brewery holds LCBO DTC authorization and ships to your address.
Can I order wine, cider, or spirits from another province in Ontario?
Yes. Those categories can be sold by an LCBO-authorized producer as long as the specific products qualify.
Do I pay LCBO markup when ordering alcohol from another province?
The producer is responsible for remitting the LCBO markup, though it's typically built into the delivered price along with shipping, HST, and container deposits.
Can I send beer or wine as a gift to someone in Ontario?
Possibly, if the producer offers gift delivery. The recipient still needs to be at least 19, and the order can't be for resale.