Can Ontario Restaurants Deliver Alcohol?
Yes. What started as a temporary pandemic measure has become a permanent part of Ontario's liquor laws. Licensed restaurants in Ontario can deliver alcohol to customers — but only when it accompanies a food order. This is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) under updated provisions to the Liquor Licence and Control Act.
For restaurants that already have a liquor licence, this is a significant revenue opportunity. You can now extend your beverage sales beyond the dining room and reach customers across your delivery zone.
The AGCO Rules You Need to Follow
Restaurant alcohol delivery isn't a free-for-all. The AGCO has clear rules that must be followed on every order:
Food Must Accompany the Order
This is the most important rule: alcohol cannot be delivered on its own. Every delivery that includes alcohol must also include a food order. The alcohol is treated as an accompaniment to the meal, not a standalone purchase. This is what differentiates restaurant delivery from retail liquor sales.
Sealed Containers Only
All alcoholic beverages must be in sealed containers for delivery. This means:
- Bottles and cans must be unopened and factory-sealed
- Cocktails must be in sealed, tamper-evident containers — no open cups or glasses
- Wine must be in sealed bottles (no carafes or open bottles)
The containers must be clearly sealed so the recipient can verify they haven't been tampered with during transport.
19+ Age Verification at the Door
Every delivery containing alcohol requires age verification. The person receiving the order must present valid government-issued photo ID proving they are 19 years of age or older. If they can't produce ID, the alcohol portion of the order must be refused.
For a deeper dive into Ontario's alcohol delivery regulations, see our full guide: How to Ship Alcohol in Ontario.
Delivery Hours
Alcohol delivery is permitted during the restaurant's licensed operating hours. You cannot deliver alcohol outside the hours authorized on your liquor licence.
Quantity Limits
While the AGCO does not set a strict per-order bottle limit for restaurants, deliveries should be reasonable for personal consumption. Bulk or wholesale-quantity orders could draw regulatory scrutiny.
Why This Matters for Your Restaurant
Adding alcohol to delivery orders can meaningfully increase your average order value. A dinner order that might average $35 can easily become $55-$70 when a bottle of wine or a few beers are added. For restaurants already offering delivery through their own channels, this is margin you're leaving on the table.
How to Set Up Alcohol Delivery with Weels
Weels makes restaurant alcohol delivery simple and compliant:
- Age verification built into the driver app — drivers check government ID at the door before releasing the order. If the check fails, the alcohol is returned.
- Same-day delivery, 7 days a week — orders placed before 11 AM ET are delivered the same day across the GTA
- Real-time GPS tracking — your customers know exactly when their food and drinks will arrive
- Photo proof of delivery — timestamped confirmation for your records
- Easy integration — connect via Square (popular with restaurants) or our REST API. No complex setup required.
Delivery starts at $16 per order. No minimums, no monthly fees.
Get Started
If you're a licensed restaurant in Ontario, adding alcohol delivery is straightforward. Sign up for free and start offering your customers the full dining experience at their door.