Ontario Craft Brewers Conference 2017 AGCO Regulatory Updates
Participants Rebecca Castillo Senior Manager, Liquor Eligibility Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Joey Silva Manager Innovations, Portfolio Program Management Office Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Katharine Brinkman Senior Advisor, Policy Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario 2
Today s Agenda Opening Remarks Update on Beer and Cider in Grocery Stores Regulatory Modernization in Ontario s Beverage Alcohol Industry AGCO 2020 & iagco Questions & Answers 3
Opening Remarks 4
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Established in 1998, the AGCO is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). The AGCO s mandate is to regulate the alcohol, gaming and horse racing sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest. Regulatory Responsibilities: Sale and service of beverage alcohol; Licensing Manufacturers Liquor Licenced Establishments (Bars, Restaurants, etc.) Beer, Wine and Cider in Grocery Stores 5
Annual Number of Licences Issued by the AGCO 6
Our Modern Regulatory Approach Risk-Based Focus on what matters most. Outcomes-Based Focus on the what rather than the how of compliance. Compliance-Focused Proactively work with licensees and registrants to ensure regulatory compliance. 7
Education and Engagement Proactive engagement, information-sharing and educational sessions for clients and related stakeholders. Educational programs and products are developed with the intention of assisting clients in complying with the regulatory requirements applicable to them. Examples of products and activities include: information bulletins, educational toolkits, stakeholder education webinars and videos, targeted outreach with stakeholders, and stakeholder consultations on all major initiatives. 8
Beer and Cider in Grocery Stores: Progress Update 9
Initiative at a Glance Over 200 grocery stores across Ontario can now sell beer and cider, including up to 70 that can sell wine. LCBO s most recent Request for Bids for up to 95 new grocery sites for beer and cider closes on November 6, 2017. The AGCO regulates authorized grocery stores, and ensures regulatory compliance, including that: Beer, cider and wine are not sold to anyone under Ontario's legal drinking age of 19 or to intoxicated adults; Beer, cider and wine is sold only within standard hours of sale; Beer, cider and wine is only available in a designated section of each store; All staff selling beer, cider and wine are Smart Serve certified. 10
Initial Observations and Successes The sale of beer, wine and cider in authorized grocery stores has modernized how beverage alcohol is sold in Ontario, and gives consumers more convenience and choice. Many grocery stores have been observed to emphasize the display and sale of Ontario craft beer. The program is continuing to expand and ultimately, beer, wine, and cider will be available in up to 450 grocery stores, including up to 300 that also sell wine. 11
Educational Resources for Brewers Ontario Regulation 232/16 sets out what beer and cider products are eligible to be sold within grocery stores; regulatory requirements for display, product storage, uniform pricing, server training certification; etc. O.Reg 232/16 and the AGCO s Sampling Guidelines and Advertising Guidelines set out regulatory requirements for sampling and advertising. Visit www.agco.ca for additional resources, including tip sheets and webinars. 12
Regulatory Modernization in Ontario s Beverage Alcohol Industry 13
Advertising and Inducements In 2017-18, the AGCO will begin to review its policies on advertising and inducements. Engagement with stakeholders is key to informing this work moving forward, along with: Understanding the perspectives of craft brewers and other manufacturers. Understanding the retail marketing landscape and balancing the various perspectives and interests. 14
Introduction to iagco 15
What is iagco? Reducing the Regulatory Burden Replaces outdated technology systems, improving efficiencies for both the regulator and the regulated It allows those who do business with the AGCO to apply for and manage their licenses, registrations and permits online, anytime, from anywhere Improves the online experience and transforms the way stakeholders interact and engage with the AGCO Central component of AGCO s Strategic Plan to offer modern and streamlined service delivery Aligns with the Government of Ontario s vision for digital government 16
What is iagco Continued Apply online & check application status Easily update address, phone number, etc. Attach electronic documents to application Streamlined application versus previous 8 page application. Notifications can be sent for renewals, missing documentation, etc. Make payments online View approved licences Print your permit from home. Website will be available in French and English Can renew By the Glass licence and Retail Store Authorization with submission of this form 17
New vs. Old Licences 18
Online Access Code Existing Liquor Manufacturers were mailed a personal iagco online access code the first week of June. This access code helps prepopulate into the online iagco account key information the AGCO already has about each manufacturer. If you have misplaced or did not receive your access code please contact Stuart Mlotek (Stuart.Mlotek@agco.ca) or customer service to retrieve your code. 19
Additional Helpful Tips Each page of your application auto-saves. You may also press save on each page and come back to your application at a later date. Manufacturer s Licences are valid for a period of two (2) years. This includes beer manufacturers whose licences previously were valid for one (1) year. As a courtesy, licence holders will be sent a renewal notice approximately 90 and 60 days prior to the expiry date shown on the licence. Paper applications will no longer be supported. At any point if you need additional information or assistance with your application please contact AGCO Customer Service OR view the Webinar for Liquor Manufacturers OR come visit our booth in the Market Place. 20
Next Steps May 29, 2017 Winter 2017 21
Questions? 22
Additional questions and concerns can be sent to connect@agco.ca Find the AGCO on Twitter at: Ont_AGCO (English) Ont_CAJO (French) 23