Actions in progress

Develop an online compliance guide for retail wine stores

Status: Action in progress

What we heard

The rules and requirements around the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (AGCO) oversight of wine retailing are unclear. There is a perception that the rules are not clearly and uniformly monitored or enforced in retail wine stores.

Our plan

In September 2016, the AGCO updated its Winery Retail Store Information Guide to include new rules and regulations for the wine retail sector. It currently includes requirements for wine sales in grocery stores, as well as farmers’ markets and all on-site and off-site stores. The information included in the guide establishes what is required to obtain a retail store authorization and what inspectors look for. The guide will be updated as regulations and policies change.

Starting May 2017, the AGCO will begin implementing a new IT system. Once fully implemented, manufacturers will be able to apply for or renew their retail store authorizations online. Information relevant to the retail sale of wine will also be made available.

Improve the inspection process for grape growers

Status: Action in progress

What we heard

Businesses that grow grapes for wine production in Ontario are subject to various audit, information collection, verifications and inspections by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario (VQAO). These cumulative requests for information, documentation, audits and inspections are time consuming, occur too frequently, and are not perceived to be conducted on a risk basis.

Additionally, businesses feel the rules are enforced subjectively and are open to interpretation. These inspectors are perceived to have poor customer service skills.

Our plan

The VQAO, AGCO and LCBO work together to conduct risk-based audits. Wineries, not grape growers, are subject to provincial audits. Wineries are only audited once per year, with a single audit for all three agencies, and additional audits are conducted only if there is a record of non-compliance. In 2017, these organizations will provide four comprehensive seminars, in key wine-growing regions, to educate wineries on how to prepare for their annual audit and simplify record keeping.

AGCO, LCBO and VQAO have guidelines posted online and training for their audit and inspection personnel to ensure rules are applied consistently.

These organizations are committed to continuous improvement of inspections and compliance operations and will continue to train staff on providing effective customer service to their regulated communities.