Sarnia's Walmart is one of 76 new independent and large grocery stores province-wide that will be authorized to sell beer and cider as of June 30 of this year.
The winners were selected in a competitive bidding process held by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
It's the second round of the government's plan to expand the number of locations that sell beer, wine and cider and open up additional opportunities for breweries and cideries.
Eventually, beer and cider will be available in up to 450 stores, including as many as 300 that will also sell wine.
The local Walmart is located at the SmartCentres Sarnia mall that also includes the Quinn Dr. liquor store.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) that represents LCBO workers, is strongly opposed to the expansion of sales in grocery stores. Members recently voted 93% in favour of strike action if necessary as efforts continue to negotiate a new contract.
