It’s 11:30 PM on a Friday night. Friends just showed up unexpectedly, the game is heading to overtime, or you simply forgot to grab a bottle on the way home. You reach for your phone to check LCBO hours — and your heart sinks. Closed.
If you live anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, you’ve probably been in this exact situation. The good news? You’re not out of luck. After-hours alcohol delivery in the GTA is not only real — it’s fast, legal, and easier than most people think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every option available to you when the LCBO shuts its doors, how after-hours delivery actually works, what you can order, and what to know before you place your first late-night order.
What Time Does the LCBO Close in Ontario?
Before we talk about alternatives, let’s get the basics straight. LCBO store hours vary by location, but here’s the general schedule most stores across the GTA follow:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (some locations close at 10:00 PM)
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Holidays: Reduced hours or fully closed (Christmas, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, etc.)
The problem is obvious. If your evening plans start after 9 PM — or you simply didn’t make it to the store in time — the LCBO isn’t an option. And that’s exactly where the frustration begins for thousands of GTA residents every single week.
You can confirm the hours of your nearest location on the official LCBO store locator.
Where Can You Buy Alcohol After the LCBO Closes in the GTA?
Ontario has gone through major changes to how alcohol is sold over the past couple of years. As of 2025, there are more places than ever to buy beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails. But when it’s late at night and you need something specific, your options narrow quickly. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
The Beer Store
The Beer Store typically closes between 9:00 and 10:00 PM on most days, and earlier on Sundays. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for beer before closing time, but it won’t help you at midnight. Their hours are similar to the LCBO, so if one is closed, the other likely is too. Check locations and hours on The Beer Store’s website.
Convenience Stores and Grocery Stores
Since September 2024, thousands of licensed convenience stores and grocery stores across Ontario can sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages. This was a huge shift in Ontario’s alcohol landscape.
However, there are important limitations. These stores can only sell alcohol between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM. They are also not permitted to sell spirits — so if you need vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, or cognac, convenience stores can’t help. Spirits remain exclusive to the LCBO and licensed distillery retail stores.
You can find licensed retailers near you using the AGCO licensed retailer map.
Bars and Restaurants
Licensed bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until 2:00 AM. Some establishments also sell alcohol as takeout with a food purchase. The catch? You have to physically go there, the selection is limited, and prices are significantly higher than retail. It’s not ideal when you’re already settled in at home.
After-Hours Alcohol Delivery Services
This is the option most people don’t realize exists — and it’s by far the most convenient one. After-hours alcohol delivery services operate across the GTA and can bring beer, wine, and spirits directly to your door, even well past midnight.
Services like Liquor To Go GTA specialize in exactly this: fast, reliable delivery when traditional stores are closed. Whether it’s a Friday at midnight or a Tuesday at 2 AM, your favourite drinks can be at your doorstep in under an hour.
How Does After-Hours Alcohol Delivery Work in Ontario?
If you’ve never ordered late-night alcohol delivery before, the process is refreshingly simple. Here’s how it typically works:
- Browse the menu online. Most delivery services have a website or app where you can see the full selection of available products — beer, wine, spirits, and sometimes mixers and snacks.
- Place your order. Add what you want to your cart and check out. Many services also accept orders by phone call or text message.
- Choose your payment method. Common options include credit card, debit, e-transfer, and cash on delivery.
- Wait for delivery. Depending on your location and the time of night, expect your order within 30 to 60 minutes. Services operating in core Toronto areas often deliver even faster.
- Show your ID at the door. The delivery driver will ask to see valid government-issued photo ID confirming you are 19 or older. This step is required by Ontario law — no exceptions.
That’s it. No lineups, no rushing to a store before closing, and no driving anywhere after you’ve been drinking.
Is After-Hours Alcohol Delivery Legal in Ontario?
This is one of the most common questions people ask — and for good reason. Ontario has historically had strict alcohol regulations, so it’s natural to wonder whether getting a bottle of whiskey delivered at 1 AM is actually legal.
The short answer: yes, it is legal.
Alcohol delivery in Ontario is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Licensed delivery services must follow specific rules, including verifying the age of the person receiving the delivery and ensuring alcohol is never left unattended. As long as the service is properly licensed and follows these regulations, after-hours delivery is completely above board.
There are a few rules every customer should be aware of:
- You must be 19 years of age or older to receive an alcohol delivery.
- You must present valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, Ontario photo card).
- Alcohol cannot be left at the door — an eligible adult must accept it in person.
- Delivery drivers are required to refuse service if the recipient appears intoxicated.
These rules exist to promote responsible consumption, and reputable services like Liquor To Go GTA follow them strictly.
What Can You Order for Late-Night Alcohol Delivery?
One of the biggest advantages of using an after-hours delivery service over a convenience store or bar is the selection. While corner stores are limited to beer, wine, cider, and RTDs, a delivery service can bring you the full range of products:
- Beer — Popular domestic and imported brands like Heineken, Stella Artois, Molson Canadian, and Budweiser
- Wine — Reds, whites, and rosés including Ontario favourites like Jackson-Triggs
- Whiskey — Crown Royal, Jameson, Jack Daniel’s, and more
- Vodka — Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Absolut
- Tequila — Patrón, Casamigos, Jose Cuervo, Sauza
- Rum — Captain Morgan, Appleton Estate, Bacardi
- Cognac — Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier
- Champagne & Sparkling Wine — For those spontaneous celebrations
You can browse the full selection available for delivery at Liquor To Go GTA’s online shop, which includes all the categories above with transparent pricing.
Which Areas in the GTA Offer After-Hours Delivery?
Coverage varies depending on the delivery service, but most established providers cover the major cities and suburbs across the Greater Toronto Area. Here’s where you can typically get alcohol delivered after hours:
- Toronto — Downtown, Midtown, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke
- Brampton
- Mississauga
- Vaughan
- Markham and Richmond Hill
- Oakville and Burlington
- Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby
If you’re unsure whether your specific address is within the delivery zone, the easiest way to check is to visit the Liquor To Go GTA delivery areas page or call them directly at +1 (416) 709-4516.
How Much Does After-Hours Alcohol Delivery Cost?
Pricing is one of the first things people wonder about, so let’s be upfront. After-hours delivery services typically charge more than LCBO retail prices. This is to be expected — you’re paying for the convenience of having someone bring drinks to your door at a time when no traditional store is open.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Product prices: Slightly above LCBO retail. The markup varies by service and product, but it’s comparable to what you’d pay at a bar for takeout.
- Delivery fees: Typically range from $5 to $15, depending on your distance from the driver’s starting point and the time of night.
- Minimum orders: Some services have minimum order amounts, while others don’t. Liquor To Go GTA, for example, provides clear pricing on their website with no hidden fees.
When you factor in the cost of an Uber to and from a bar, plus bar-markup prices, after-hours delivery often works out to be the more affordable and convenient choice — especially when you’re already at home.
Tips for Ordering Late-Night Alcohol Delivery in the GTA
To make your experience as smooth as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:
1. Have Your ID Ready
Don’t make the driver wait at the door while you search for your wallet. Have your government-issued photo ID ready before they arrive. If you look under 25, you will be carded — even if you’re clearly of legal drinking age.
2. Provide Clear Delivery Instructions
If you live in a condo, apartment building, or a house that’s tricky to find at night, include detailed instructions when you order. A buzz code, specific entrance, or a “meet at the lobby” note can save time and prevent missed deliveries.
3. Know What You Want Ahead of Time
Browse the menu before you call or order online. Late-night delivery services are busy — especially on weekends and holidays — so having your order ready speeds everything up.
4. Be Patient on Busy Nights
Friday and Saturday nights, long weekends, and holidays like New Year’s Eve are the busiest times for after-hours delivery. While most services aim for 30–60 minute delivery, high-demand periods might take slightly longer.
5. Drink Responsibly
The convenience of having alcohol delivered to your door is a privilege. Enjoy it responsibly. One of the best things about delivery is that it removes the temptation to drive to a store after you’ve already had a few drinks — so take advantage of that safety benefit.
After-Hours Delivery vs. Other Options: Quick Comparison
| Option | Available After 11 PM? | Sells Spirits? | Delivers to Your Door? | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCBO | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (online only, limited hours) | Excellent |
| Beer Store | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | Beer only |
| Convenience Stores | ❌ No (closes 11 PM) | ❌ No | ❌ No | Limited |
| Bars & Restaurants | ✅ Until 2 AM | ✅ Yes (by the glass) | ❌ Dine-in / limited takeout | Varies |
| After-Hours Delivery | ✅ Yes — 24/7 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Full range |
As the table shows, after-hours delivery is the only option that checks every box — available around the clock, carries the full range of products including spirits, and brings everything directly to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get alcohol delivered to a hotel in the GTA?
Yes. Most after-hours delivery services will deliver to hotels, Airbnbs, and short-term rentals. You’ll need to meet the driver in the lobby or at the entrance with your ID. This is a great option for visitors and tourists who aren’t familiar with Ontario’s alcohol retail system.
What’s the legal drinking age for alcohol delivery in Ontario?
The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. The person receiving the delivery must be at least 19 and must present valid photo ID. No ID, no delivery.
Can alcohol be left at my door?
No. Under Ontario law, alcohol cannot be left unattended. An eligible adult (19+) must be present to accept the order and show identification. If no one is available to receive the delivery, the driver will not leave the order.
Is it more expensive than buying from the LCBO?
Yes, there is typically a markup on after-hours delivery compared to LCBO retail prices, plus a delivery fee. Think of it like the difference between cooking at home and ordering food delivery — you’re paying for the convenience and the service, especially during hours when no other option exists.
Do I need to tip the delivery driver?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated — especially for late-night deliveries in bad weather or to hard-to-reach locations. Most customers tip between $3 and $10 depending on the order size.
What if I’m outside the GTA?
After-hours delivery services are expanding rapidly across Ontario. Some providers now deliver to cities like Guelph, Cambridge, Hamilton, and Oshawa. Check with your local delivery service to confirm coverage in your area. Liquor To Go GTA covers an extensive range of cities — see their full delivery area list here.
Don’t Let a Closed LCBO Ruin Your Night
Ontario’s alcohol retail landscape has come a long way from the days when the LCBO was your only option. Between convenience stores, expanded grocery sales, and the rise of after-hours delivery services, GTA residents now have more ways to get their favourite drinks than ever before.
But when the clock strikes 11 PM and every storefront is locked up, after-hours alcohol delivery is the one option that never lets you down. Whether it’s a last-minute house party, a late-night celebration, or just a quiet evening at home that could use a glass of something nice — delivery puts a full selection of beer, wine, and spirits at your fingertips, 24 hours a day.
Ready to order? Browse the full menu and get fast delivery anywhere in the GTA at Liquor To Go GTA’s online shop, or call +1 (416) 709-4516 to place your order now. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
