Toronto Local Custom Tips by stuckie

The laws concerning alcohol consumption in Toronto follow mostly Ontario laws. The government regulates all sales of beer, wine and liquor, so you can expect prices to be expensive here.

Even local wines and beers will cost you more than one might think. Expect to pay 10-15 CAD dollars for a bottle of wine (even ones made in Ontario) in LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) and 25+ for a bottle in restaurants. Some restaurants let you bring your own wine, but will charge a dispensing fee and per cup. I haven't actually seen any restaurants that do this, but they are out there.

Beer is sold in LCBO and places called the 'The Beer Store'. Again, no alcohol is sold in grocery stores, convenience stores or private enterprises (with the exeption of wine where you can buy at some 'Vincor' outlets known as Wine Rack or some wineries. Also, some northern Ontario towns do sell booze in convenience stores. Check which province you are in, because it varies in Quebec and western provinces. Cases of beer are also exorbitant. A 6 pack of Heinekin is likely to cost 12-13 dollars. In a bar, you can expect to pay 5-6 dollars.

Note in restaurants, you are charged for not only GST/PST (VAT) taxes, but also 10% provincial alcohol tax.

Liquor is the same. Expect to pay 30 dollars for the more common liquors, like rum, vodka and whiskey for 40oz or 750mL bottles. In a bar, 6-7 dollars is the norm. Note, this does not include gratituties, should you tip (usually a dollar a drink).

Hours of beer stores/LCBO/Wine rack stores range, but are open 7 days a week. Usually 9:00pm or 10:00pm are closing hours. Legal consumption of alcohol in restaurants and bars are not allowed before 11:00AM. Open alcohol in public areas is illegal. To avoid fines, you need to drink in LCBO licensed areas only. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19.

Torontonians do like to drink, but as our government likes to remind us, it's a privilege we have to pay for.

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Website: http://www.thebeerstore.ca
Other Contact: www.lcbo.com; www.winerack.com

Although Miami has a higher percentage of people who are foriegn born, Toronto has more people of different nationalities and backgrounds. People expect differences rather than similarities. Don't be surprised if they think you live here rather than being a tourist. Some 40% of the city is not born in Canada and increasingly are being labelled 'visible minorities' due to their country of origin, like China and India.

An expectation of English language is expected. Few Torontonians speak French, so a knowledge of English is vital. In certain boroughs of the city, you might be okay with just a knowledge of Cantonese, Italian, Portuguese, Korean or Greek languages.

Tread lightly on topics of differences between Canada and US and the rest of the world. Torontonians are often referred to as the 'centre of the universe' by Western Canadians because most once they live here, do not move outside of the area.

Still talk of Torontonians being the most unfriendly people are exaggerated. Any big city in the world has such a reputation. If you are lost, most will be happy to help you find your way.

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