diff --git a/BACKLOG.md b/BACKLOG.md
index 770b503..864d06b 100644
--- a/BACKLOG.md
+++ b/BACKLOG.md
@@ -194,12 +194,6 @@ Replace the single free-form instructions textarea with an ordered list of discr
 - Keep `Instructions` as a migration fallback column, or do a single-step cutover migration?
 - Should steps support rich text (bold ingredient names, timers) or stay plain text for v1?
 
-## Lists
-
-### Block create-list flow when no stores exist
-- A shopping list requires a `Store` (see `ListSummary.store` and the `newStoreId` state in `lists/+page.svelte`), so the create-list flow shouldn't be available until at least one store exists.
-- Behavior: if user tries to open the create-list UI (or hits the create-list page directly via URL) with zero stores, surface a `toast.warning()` (or modal) that says "You need to create a store first" with a CTA linking to `/stores`. Don't render the empty/broken create form.
-
 ## Stores
 
 ### Store types / categorization
diff --git a/src/frontend/src/routes/lists/+page.svelte b/src/frontend/src/routes/lists/+page.svelte
index a7039c3..ca1cce0 100644
--- a/src/frontend/src/routes/lists/+page.svelte
+++ b/src/frontend/src/routes/lists/+page.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { onMount, onDestroy } from 'svelte';
+	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { api } from '$lib/api';
+	import { toast } from '$lib/toast.svelte';
 	import { startConnection, stopConnection } from '$lib/signalr';
 	import type { HubConnection } from '@microsoft/signalr';
 
@@ -64,6 +66,16 @@
 		await stopConnection();
 	});
 
+	function toggleCreate() {
+		if (!showCreate && stores.length === 0) {
+			toast.warning('You need to create a store first', {
+				action: { label: 'Add a store', onClick: () => goto('/stores') }
+			});
+			return;
+		}
+		showCreate = !showCreate;
+	}
+
 	async function createList() {
 		if (!newName.trim() || !newStoreId) return;
 		await api<{ id: number }>('/api/lists', {
@@ -79,7 +91,7 @@
 	<div class="mb-4 flex items-center justify-between">
 		<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold">Shopping Lists</h2>
 		<button
-			onclick={() => (showCreate = !showCreate)}
+			onclick={toggleCreate}
 			class="rounded-full bg-primary px-4 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white"
 		>
 			{showCreate ? 'Cancel' : '+ New list'}