Starting Thursday, convenience stores in Muskoka will begin selling wine, beer, cider, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, in what the Ontario government calls the "largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience since the end of prohibition."

The province is expanding alcohol sales to 8,500 stores this year including convenience stores, gas stations and all grocery and big-box stores.

This change follows the Province’s accelerated plan to expand alcohol sales, initially announced during the LCBO strike in July.

Local retailers are preparing by clearing space in their fridges and getting staff ready.

Alcohol sales will be permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.