Costco has officially entered Ontario’s alcohol market, joining the growing number of grocery stores authorized to sell beer, wine and coolers.
As of October 31, 2024, several Costco locations across the province began offering alcohol for sale.
Below is what we’ve seen on the shelves so far in and around Toronto.
Costco in Ontario does not sell liquor, only beer, wine and coolers.
Beer prices below exclude sales taxes and deposit.
| Beer | Quantity & Size | Price | Price Per Bottle/Can |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budweiser Cans | 48 x 355 ML | $62.99 | $1.31 |
| Bud Light Cans | 48 x 355 ML | $62.99 | $1.31 |
| Coors Light Cans | 60 x 355 ML | $84.99 | $1.42 |
| Corona Bottles | 24 x 330 ML | $44.99 | $1.87 |
| Flying Money Juici IPA Cans | 24 x 473 ML | $64.99 | $2.71 |
| Heineken Bottles | 24 x 330 ML | $46.99 | $1.96 |
| Michelob Ultra Cans | 30 x 355 ML | $47.99 | $1.60 |
| Molson Canadian Cans | 60 x 355 ML | $84.99 | $1.42 |
| Moosehead Lager Cans | 30 x 355 ML | $46.99 | $1.57 |
| Muskoka Venture Pack Cans | 24 x 355 ML | $39.99 | $1.67 |
| Steam Whistle Cans | 24 x 355 ML | $46.99 | $1.96 |
| Stella Artois Bottles | 28 x 330 ML | $49.99 | $1.79 |
And we believe Costco will also be stocking these additional 3 beers, but we have not seen them yet.
Beau’s Lager Cans 24 x 355 ML
Busch Light Cans 48 x 355 ML
Sapporo Cans 24 x 355 ML
In terms of coolers, this is what we’re seeing so far.
| Cooler | Quantity & Size | Price | Price Per Bottle/Can |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muskoka Spirits Mixer Pack Cans | 24 x 355 ML | $44.99 | $1.87 |
| Smirnoff Ice Bottles | 24 x 330 ML | $47.99 | $2.00 |
| Twisted Tea Party Pack Cans | 24 x 355 ML | $47.99 | $2.00 |
| White Claw Variety Pack Cans | 24 x 355 ML | $45.99 | $1.92 |
Ontario’s alcohol sales have undergone significant evolution, transitioning from a tightly controlled public system to a more open and mixed model incorporating private retailers.
Ontario established the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) almost 100 years ago to manage alcohol distribution and sales, ensuring strict control over availability and consumption.
This public monopoly became a cornerstone of the province’s approach to regulating alcohol, with sales confined to government-operated LCBO outlets and The Beer Store.
The most substantial shift occurred in recent years, in 2015, when the province introduced alcohol sales in grocery stores, starting with a small number and gradually expanding.
Today, hundreds of grocery and convenience stores sell beer, cider, and wine, offering consumers greater accessibility.
Retailers like Costco have also received licenses to sell alcohol, marking a significant milestone in liberalizing alcohol sales.
The evolving model now reflects a balance between public control and private enterprise, aiming to meet consumer demand while maintaining regulatory oversight
