FAQ

Frequent asked questions about Ontario’s beverage alcohol industry.

What is a Contract Brewer?
A company that contracts another bricks-and-mortar brewery to brew their beer. The company would have their own Ontario brewers manufacturing license.

Where can I purchase beer in Ontario to take home?
Beer can be purchased at breweries, LCBO, the Beer Store, and participating grocery stores.

Where can I purchase cider in Ontario to take home?
Cider can can be purchased at cideries, LCBO, participating grocery stores, and participating farmers markets.

What is the beer alcohol content classification in Ontario?”
1.1 to 2.5% – Extra Light Beer
2.6 to 4.0% – Light Beer
4.1 to 5.5% – Beer
5.6 to 8.5% – Strong Beer
8.6+% – Extra Strong Beer

Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

What is a legal pint size in Canada?
A pint contains 20 fl oz or 568 ml in Canada. The limit of error for 20 fl oz is 0.5 fl oz (the foam (head) is not included in the measurement). When a quantity other than a pint is advertised, the quantity served must be must be equal to the stated quantity within the limit of error.

Source: Industry Canada

What is a hectolitre (hl)?
A hectolitre is a standard of measurement used for beer in Canada. 1 hectolitre = 100 litres.
1 hectolitre is equivalent to 0.85 US bbl.

What is a Contract Distiller?
A company that does not distill its own spirits on site (ie. does not possess a still). They may purchase Neutral Grain Spirits and then filter, modify and package on site.