Online alcohol sales in Ontario rose over the holidays

More Ontario drinkers turned to the Internet to buy wine, beer and spirits over the holidays.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario says its online alcohol sales totalled nearly $2 million between Nov. 6 and Dec. 31, up from $1.7 million over the previous three months.

The LCBO says the average number of daily purchases rose to 147 from 80 in those same time periods _ an increase of about 84 per cent _ and the average amount spent to $227 from $207.

The government-owned agency launched its online store in late July, allowing people to people buy from nearly 5,000 products and have them delivered to their home or a local liquor store.

Spokeswoman Christine Bujold says the types of alcohol that people purchased online shifted over the holidays, with beer sales dropping and a boost in red wine and spirits.

Bujold says other drinks typically associated with the holiday season, such as Baileys Irish Cream, also grew more popular.