Alcohol

Licensed establishments in Alberta now able to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m.

Mario Toneguzzi -
This change gives licensees the option to open earlier to meet business needs and customer demand, including during occasions such as international sporting events and cultural celebrations.

SAQ reports net income of $525.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025-2026

Mario Toneguzzi -
Overall dollar sales rose 1.6% to $1.433 billion. At 70.7 million litres, volume sales were down 1.4%.

Governments suffer big decline in alcohol earnings: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Overall, liquor authorities and other retail outlets sold $25.8 billion worth of alcoholic beverages in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, down 1.6% from fiscal year 2023/2024.

Canadians plan to drink less alcohol and power up protein in 2026: Square

Mario Toneguzzi -
1 in 4 Canadians (28%) plan to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2026.

Quebec consumers overwhelmingly support better access to ready-to-drink spirit-based beverages

Mario Toneguzzi -
A recent Léger poll conducted on behalf of Spirits Canada reveals overwhelming support among Quebecers for the sale of ready-to-drink spirit-based beverages in grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores.

Blue Jays World Series Bar Sales Lift Canada

Craig Patterson -
Blue Jays World Series bar sales surged across Toronto and Canada, driving double digit gains in beer, spirits and foot traffic for bars and restaurants.

SAQ reports net income of $307.5 million for Q1 Fiscal 2025-2026

Mario Toneguzzi -
SAQ reports $307.5M net income in Q1 2025–26, with sales up 1.1% to $913.2M despite declining volume. Gross margin rises 4.3% as expenses increase.

How Alcohol Sales Shifted After Canada Legalized Cannabis

Craig Patterson -
Following cannabis legalization in Canada, alcohol sales saw modest but notable changes, offering insight into consumer behaviour and substitution effects.

Governments earn $15.7B from alcohol/cannabis: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
$13.5 billion came from alcohol sales, showing a slight decrease of 0.5%, while recreational cannabis sales reached $2.2 billion, marking an impressive increase of 12.6%, says Statistics Canada.

SAQ Introduces Micro Agency Stores and Delivery in Quebec

Craig Patterson -
SAQ is launching micro agency stores and expanding delivery in Quebec, enhancing accessibility and convenience for customers across the province.

Alberta Rejects Liquor Sales in Grocery Stores to Protect Retail Sector

Craig Patterson -
Alberta will not allow alcohol sales in grocery stores, preserving the private retail model to avoid harm to small businesses and protect consumer choice.

Ontario Convenience Stores Begin Alcohol Sales Thursday 

Retail Insider -
Ontario convenience stores begin selling alcoholic drinks, raising concerns about proximity to schools and impact on youth.
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