NOTE: This post is no longer being regularly updated as of mid-April 2020.
As the COVID-19 outbreak has most of us self-isolating, and is causing more and more businesses to close – either by choice, or due to government orders – the usual methods of in-person beer shopping are no longer available to most Canadians.
Thankfully, many breweries across the country have stepped up with new beer shopping options, including implementing social distancing protocols at their retail shops, offering direct home delivery where possible, and reducing or removing shipping costs on mailed packages.
In addition, both government-run and private alcohol retailers are remaining open in most provinces, although some have shifted to delivery and/or pick up only operations for the time being.
Trying to compile and update a complete list of all breweries and retailers across the country that are offering COVID-friendly retail and delivery options would be a full-time job. But thankfully, a few folks started taking on the task of putting together region-specific lists. The links to the ones we’ve found so far are listed below, along with details about other retail options that are still available in each region.
Last updated: April 11th, 4:30 PM Eastern
National
– Sustain Craft Beer
Atlantic Canada
Brewery retail/delivery listings:
– Atlantic Canada Beer Blog
– Drink NB
– Halifax Magazine
– PEI Liquor
Other retail options:
– New Brunswick: ANBL stores remaining open with reduced hours and special protocols in place
– Nova Scotia: NSLC remaining open with reduced hours and special protocols in place; restaurants allowed to sell alcohol for take-out or delivery when ordered with food
– Prince Edward Island: Most PEILCC stores closed, but several remain open with reduced hours and special protocols in place; some restaurants allowed to sell alcohol for take-out when ordered with food
– Newfoundland: NLC stores closed to walk-in shopping, but most locations offering pre-order pick up service
Quebec
Brewery retail/delivery listings:
– Baron Mag
Other retail options:
– SAQ stores open with reduced hours and special protocols in place, and online ordering for delivery
– Grocery stores and depanneurs open, some with reduced hours and special protocols in place
Ontario
Brewery retail/delivery listings:
– Beer Finder
– Beer Scene
– Brew Donkey
– Brewed Today
– The Growler Ontario
– Ontario Beer Delivery Index
– Rolling Hops
– Run TO Beer
– What’s Brewin’
Other retail options:
– LCBO stores open with reduced hours and special protocols in place, pre-order pick up at some locations, and delivery via Canada Post
– Beer Store locations open with reduced hours and special protocols in place, and pre-order pick up and delivery at some locations
– Licensed grocery stores open, most with reduced hours and special protocols in place
– Restaurants allowed to deliver alcohol when ordered with food
Prairies
Brewery retail/delivery listings:
– YYC Beer
Other retail options:
– Manitoba: Liquor Mart stores open with special protocols in place, and direct delivery in some areas; restaurants allowed to deliver alcohol when ordered with food
– Saskatchewan: SLGA stores open with special protocols in place; private stores allowed to remain open and offer delivery services; restaurants allowed to sell alcohol for take out and delivery orders
– Alberta: Most private stores open, with AGLC recommending special protocols; restaurants allowed to sell alcohol for take-out and delivery with or without food orders
British Columbia
Brewery retail/delivery listings:
– The Growler BC
– I Need BC Beer
– Scout Magazine
Other retail options:
– BC Liquor stores open with special protocols in place
– Most private liquor stores open, many with special protocols in place
– Restaurants allowed to deliver alcohol when ordered with food
The North
Brewery retail/delivery listings:
– none found yet
Other retail options:
– Yukon: Yukon Liquor stores open
– Northwest Territories: NWT Liquor stores open with reduced hours and special protocols in place
– Nunavut: Iqaluit Beer & Wine Store open with special protocols in place
If you know of any other lists or resources that should be included, please let us know.