In 2023, the provincial government announced the modernization of the marketplace to create more convenience and choice for consumers. In addition to more retailers selling alcohol, it was announced that LCBO will become the exclusive wholesaler for all retail, bars and restaurants selling alcohol and a new ‘cost-plus’ wholesale pricing would be developed that was consistent for all retailers. These changes will be implemented on April 1, 2026.
At the same time, LCBO has embarked on a multi-year program called Future State Modernization (FSM) that will strengthen our IT systems, and streamline our business processes, improving our operations for our company and our stakeholders.
FSM is a critical enabler of marketplace modernization, and both will result in changes for suppliers in the coming months.
Key changes for licensees starting April 1, 2026
- Since LCBO becomes the wholesaler of record, all domestic brewers that currently sell directly to bars & restaurants must be authorized under the Direct Delivery Program, sold through the Beer Store (who is an authorized distributor and facilitates sales on LCBO's behalf) or be listed on wholesale.lcbo.com. A list of Direct Delivery Program participants will be available at a later date.
- As directed by the provincial government, LCBO is implementing a new wholesale pricing model based on a formula that adds taxes, mark-ups, and fees to the supplier’s quote. The new pricing model closely aligns with industry standard best practices and will streamline and simplify the current wholesale pricing model.
There are no changes to the agents' ability to facilitate sales on LCBO’s behalf to hospitality licensees under Specialty Services. There are also no changes to purchases from suppliers (wine, spirit and RTD) authorized under the Direct Delivery Program.
Key changes for licensees who currently order online starting April 1, 2026
- We will be streamlining the way you submit claims; they will now be submitted through wholesale.lcbo.com. Expect training in the new year.
- Other changes include targeted enhancements to wholesale.lcbo.com, and improved fill rates for LCBO-supplied products.
- We will be expanding same-day pickup to all 680+ LCBO stores.
- Dropshipping will be introduced, which means that if you purchase select Ontario-made products on wholesale.lcbo.com, they may be shipped directly from the alcohol supplier.
Key dates and ordering information for licensees who shop online
If you currently order on wholesale.lcbo.com, there will be a migration period where new information cannot flow into our systems as we approach April 1. As a result, the following impacts and actions should be noted to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any interruptions to your business.
- March 23 (6pm) until March 31: You will be unable to place online orders for delivery on wholesale.lcbo.com, but you can continue to view information until the evening of March 30 when it will be offline. You are encouraged to plan ahead with and order additional inventory online in preparation.
- March 24 – 31: You will have an alternative ordering option which will allow you to manually place orders for select LCBO and/or TBS products for delivery during this time. Further details, including an order form, will be shared in the coming months
You may continue to do the following during this time:
Shop in LCBO stores and The Beer Store
Order beer from domestic producers
Order product from agents through LCBO Specialty Services consignment program (until 12pm on March 27)
Order directly from domestic suppliers participating in LCBO’s Direct Delivery Program.
- March 25 (11pm): Last day to place an online order for in-store pickup.
- March 28 (noon): All in-store pick up orders must be picked up otherwise they will be cancelled.
- April 1: Wholesale.lcbo.com is once again available; ordering resumes and claims can be submitted on the same platform.
- April 10: Last date to submit a claim on the B2B Claims App online. You will be able to view / download historical data until April 30. Starting April 1, all claims should be made on wholesale.lcbo.com.
A calendar of key dates for easy reference can be found here.
Information and resources
We will provide the information resources you need to ensure a smooth transition; they will be posted to this page as new information becomes available. Training details will be shared in February.
You can contact your Client Service Coordinator with any questions or email licensee@lcbo.com.