WAREHOUSING PROGRAM

As part of the continued modernization of the beverage alcohol sector, LCBO is preparing for a more open listings process that expands opportunities for suppliers to respond to product calls for the wholesale catalogue and becoming supplying sources. Developing a more open listing process for the wholesale sector enables suppliers to bring new products to the market in a timely manner, fosters competition, and helps to improve choice and convenience for Ontario consumers.
 

Agents

In order to participate in the open listings product call for import products, Agents representing import product must be authorized under the Warehousing for Open Listings Program. Once authorized, Agents will be eligible to participate in LCBO’s Supplying Source Program. 

Authorized Agents must work with a third-party logistics company authorized under this Program to warehouse products in Ontario and deliver orders to wholesale customers.  

To be eligible for the program, Agents must:

• Hold an active Licence to Represent a Manufacturer;  

• Be appointed by one or more Suppliers of import products to exclusively represent the product and facilitate sales in Ontario. Agents must submit the Supplier Appointment of Agent Form at the time of application (form will be available to download); 

• Submit a product list, using the template provided by LCBO, that corresponds with the Supplier Appointment of Agent Form(s) and the warehousing plan with an Authorized Third-party Logistics Company (template will be available to download);  

• Apply to become or have an agreement with an Authorized Third-party Logistics Company to provide warehousing and delivery services. Agents must submit a letter signed by the Authorized Third-party Logistics Company confirming the existence of such agreement; 

• Attest that they do not hold and are not affiliated with a holder of a Grocery Store or Convenience Store Licence under the LLCA, or a Licence to Operate a Liquor Consumption Premises under the LLCA, and are not affiliated with or do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in any LCBO Wholesale Customer; 

• Attest that they will meet all program requirements and understand the requirements of the Supplying Source Program.  

Authorized Agents will work with the LCBO to import approved products and fulfill wholesale customer orders made under the Supplying Source Program. Authorized Agents will work with Authorized Third-Party Logistics Companies to warehouse imported product and deliver orders to wholesale customers. 

Please note that open product calls are intended to bring new products to Ontario. This means that products that are currently LCBO-supplied to wholesale customers are excluded from this Program and will not be approved. 
 

Third-party logistics companies

Third-party logistics companies interested in providing warehousing and distribution services to Authorized Agents must be authorized under the Warehousing for Open Listings Policy.  

To be eligible for the program, third-party logistics companies must:

• Operate a warehouse based in Ontario;  

• Hold an Excise Warehouse Licence issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), or for Import beer, a Customs Bonded Warehouse Licence issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); 

• Have a minimum of 100,000 square feet of secure, temperature‑controlled facilities and submit a floorplan for the warehouse; 

• Have the ability to deliver Products to LCBO’s Wholesale Customers (requires access to a delivery fleet and deliver Products in accordance with transportation industry standards);  

• Maintain systems with the ability to accurately track inbound and outbound movement of Product and interface with LCBO applications (if required);  

• Have at least five years’ experience as a logistics company and be supported by an experienced operational team; 

• Attest that they do not hold and are not affiliated with a holder of a Grocery Store or Convenience Store Licence under the LLCA, or a Licence to Operate a Liquor Consumption Premises under the LLCA, and are not affiliated with or do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in any LCBO Wholesale Customer. 

Authorized Third-Party Logistics Companies will work with Authorized Agents and/or domestic, out-of-province suppliers to warehouse approved products and deliver orders to wholesale customers.
 

Domestic suppliers

Domestic, out-of-province suppliers who are participating in the Supplying Source Program may work with an Authorized Third-Party Logistics Company to warehouse and deliver products to wholesale customers. Domestic suppliers do not require an authorization under the Warehousing for Open Listings Program. 

The process for applying to the Warehousing Program will be shared in the coming days. LCBO will issue a product call for import products on June 29, 2026.