Ontario's Grocers in Uproar Over New Bottle Return Requirement

As The Beer Store continues to shutter locations across Ontario, local grocers are facing an unexpected challenge: the mandated collection of empty alcohol bottles and cans. Many grocery stores are pushing back against this new responsibility, which they feel was never part of the deal.

Gary Sands, the senior vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, expressed frustration at the timeline imposed by the government, stating, “While January 1 might be coming for the government, it certainly isn’t for the grocers who are struggling with this tough new obligation.”

Independent Grocers Threaten to Give Up Alcohol Licenses

The Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP) now requires independent grocers to take on the role of collecting empties—a task that many are unwilling to accept. Sands revealed, “We have independents who have opted not to pursue their licenses and others who began the process, only to back out once they realized the implications of the new requirements.”

David La Mantia, owner of La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh, is one such grocer. Despite selling liquor for years, he finds the collection of empties a financial and logistical burden. ‘The profits from selling liquor are already minimal; dealing with empties just makes matters worse,’ he lamented.

Consumer Health and Safety at Risk?

For La Mantia, the safety of his customers comes first. He worries that allowing dirty empties near fresh produce creates an unsanitary situation. "Our priority is fresh goods, and consumers shouldn’t have to worry about their strawberries being near returned beer cans at checkout," he pointed out.

Premier Ford’s Response as Concerns Mount

During a recent press conference, Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged the grocers’ concerns but added, “It’s ironic that retailers want to sell alcohol but are hesitant to take back the bottles.” He hinted at possible alternative solutions to the problem but has yet to detail any.

An Unfair Burden? Grocers Call for Change

La Mantia, who has a legally binding agreement with the LCBO for selling liquor, is frustrated. He noted, “Our contract, signed in 2019, did not include any obligation to collect empties. It’s unfair for the government to act as if we were aware of this requirement.”

He believes that the empty bottle collection responsibility should not rest solely on independent grocers and called for a more equitable solution across the retail distribution chain.

The Government's Stance and Possible Outcomes

In response to mounting pressure, the Ministry of Finance stated that regulations offer flexibility for businesses to form cooperative arrangements for handling empties. However, if nothing changes before the January 1 deadline, many grocers may resort to relinquishing their alcohol licenses altogether, marking a significant shift in Ontario’s retail landscape.