More than a dozen local convenience stores have already applied for — and been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) — to sell beer and liquor as part of the provincial government’s plan to expand alcohol sales beyond the LCBO and Beer Store.
The Ford government announced in May that, after Sept. 5, eligible convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and, after Oct. 31, all eligible grocery and big-box stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
Jeremy Burke said he loves the idea of being able to pick up his alcoholic beverages at a local convenience store.
“Always having to go to a specific location (such as the LCBO) is a pain in the rear,” he said, adding he’s also tired of being so heavily taxed on our liquor in the province.
“When travelling in the U.S.A., we enjoy the fact that you can get all of your items quick and easy at the gas bar or convenience store, local pharmacy, etc. I’m hopeful that more competition may actually be better for all of us consumers," said Burke.
Ricardo Irivarren, founder of Miski Brewing in Barrie, said back in December the announcement was “the best thing that he’d heard in the previous six months.
The move to allow sales into eligible convenience stores — as well as the expansion into more grocery stores by November — has the potential to allow his local brewery and others like him thousands more points of sale across the province.
Jess DeFeber admits there are likely both pros and cons to the change.
"It’s very “Murica” I feel. But then I think about the chalet on (Highway) 26 on the way to Wasaga Beach that has a little bit of everything in it and it’s nice to not have to travel far where we are," she said.
"It also raises the concern of if alcohol will be sold to minors more often now because LCBO and such train their staff so much more. What kind of training will the staff at these stores receive — and how will it be monitored?"
She also raises concerns about employee safety once sales begin.
"I recall a time where it seemed (convenience stores) were getting robbed nearly daily. I worry that will be a more regular occurrence again once you add access to alcohol to the mix," she said. "At least the LCBO often has security guards... I can't imagine every single convenience store can afford to have its own security."
According to the AGCO website, holders of convenience store licences and/or new grocery store licences (issued on or after June 17, 2024) cannot sell or offer for sale liquor in their stores before:
- Sept. 5, 2024 for convenience stores
- Oct. 31, 2024 for new grocery stores (issued on or after June 17, 2024)
While many customers are happy with the change, the cost of allowing grocery, big box and corner stores to start selling alcohol this fall could be far higher than the government has let on according to calculation from the Ontario Liberal Party, which is estimating the hit to the provincial treasury would be $150 million over two years.
As well, Premier Doug Ford put out a video Monday showing how convenient it already is for Ontarians to pick up beer, wine and spirits as LCBO workers continue to strike.
For a list of all convenience stores in Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny that have already received approval by the AGCO, see below:
Lafontaine
T’s Market
Esso/Grab ‘N’ Go
Midland
King’s Little General Convenience
Little Lake Convenience
Convenience+
Ultramar gas station on Yonge Street
Both Circle K locations
Canadian Tire Gas+
Mobil (Real Canadian Superstore location)
The Mouse Trap
Penetanguishene
Village Tickets and Tobacco
Circle K location
Port McNicoll
Garrett's Kwick Way
Waubaushene
Pine Street Country Market
-with files from Andrew Philips
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