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International News
Ontario’s Strict Liquor Laws
By: Alyssa Andres
I n Canada, each province is governed under in the initial phases of business planning before
its own liquor laws. In the province of
starting production. Separate licenses are required
Ontario, there is a multitude of guidelines,
erages, and packaging guidelines, as well as chem-
fees and licenses required to successfully before producing, selling and storing alcoholic bev-
become a producer or supplier, many of which are ical analysis of each product, are required once
not found in other provinces across the country. these licenses are obtained. For suppliers, it means
The restrictions, guidelines, and costs associated facing mark-ups of well over 100% and tight restric-
with the production, importation and sale of alco- tions on the import, distribution and sale of prod-
hol in the province impact the market for produc- ucts. For consumers, it means selections tend to be
ers and consumers alike. By enforcing such strict limited, prices are higher than average and there
laws, the Ontario government limits the province’s are very few places to obtain alcoholic beverages.
ability to showcase its top quality products and dis-
suades international suppliers and manufacturers The body controlling the alcohol, tobacco and
from importing their goods from other regions. cannabis industries is the Alcohol and Gaming
Commission of Ontario. This body is responsible for
Manufacturers in Ontario must prepare for sub- forming the Liquor Control Act and administering
stantial start-up costs and to spend a lot of time liquor licenses beyond the federal license required
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