Good news for the many residents who order beer, wine and spirits as part of their takeout orders.

It is hoped the service will help struggling bars and restaurants in our community survive.

The Ontario government says the takeout booze, which was introduced to help licenced bars and restaurants keep afloat in a battle against COVID-19, will continue.

While all of the various emergency orders put into place as part of the state of emergency will be lifted, it appears that takeout booze is here to stay.

Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Prabmeet Sarkaria on Wednesday said the provincial government is working on the necessary legislative changes to permanently allow restaurant and bars to add beer, wine and spirits to takeout orders going forward.

“We have had the opportunity to hear from small businesses and restaurant owners that were impacted by this pandemic and this has been a measure that has really helped them so we are committed to making it permanent,” Sarkaria said.

The plan includes a commitment to permanently allow 24/7 deliveries to retail stores, restaurants and distribution facilities.

It also promises grants of up to $1,000 to help small businesses in the service sector with two to nine employees offset the cost of acquiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The total cost of that program to taxpayers is pegged at $60 million.

These are the businesses that have been the hardest hit from a cash flow perspective and they need the support to help cover these expenses, government officials say.