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 starting January 2026, and a new ‘cost-plus’ wholesale pricing would be developed that was consistent for all retailers.
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 January 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 January 1, 2026
- We will be streamlining the way you submit claims; they will now be submitted through wholesale.lcbo.com. Expect training in mid-to-late November.
- 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.
Plan early for temporary data and online ordering freezes
While LCBO transforms its business and implements new technologies, there will be a migration period where new information cannot flow into our systems. As a result, data, orders and payments will be paused for a brief period in December as follows.
- Between 5 pm on November 28 and December 28, LCBO will not be able to update any customer information – this includes contact details, new customer set up, , and invoicing and delivery terms. We kindly request that you submit any known/anticipated changes by November 15 to allow our teams time to make all updates before the November 28 cutoff.
- Licensees will not be able to place online orders for delivery between December 18 at 6pm and December 31. They will be able to order for in-store pick until 6pm on December 21. Final orders will be fulfilled by December 24.
- If online orders have not been filled or if orders have not been picked up by 12pm on December 24, orders will be cancelled.
- On January 1, ordering will resume on wholesale.lcbo.com
- January 9 is the last date to submit a claim on the B2B Claims App.
As a reminder, licensees can continue to do the following through to December 31:
- Shop in-store at LCBO and The Beer Store.
- Order beer from domestic manufacturers and TBS
- Order product from agents through LCBO Specialty Services consignment program and import kegs with distributors
- Order domestic product through LCBO direct delivery program
