Toronto, ON – Starting next month, 7-Eleven stores in Ontario will be offering alcohol for sale, making it the first convenience store chain in the province to do so.
The announcement was made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) on Tuesday, stating that 61 7-Eleven locations across the province have been granted authorization to sell beer and cider.
This decision comes after the provincial government’s move to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores, grocery stores, and big-box retailers in 2019. Previously, alcohol sales were limited to the LCBO and Beer Store.
According to the AGCO, 7-Eleven has met all the necessary requirements and regulations to sell alcohol, including training staff on responsible service and ensuring that alcohol is not sold to minors.
The convenience store chain has also implemented measures to prevent theft and ensure the safety of customers and employees, such as installing security cameras and limiting the amount of alcohol that can be purchased at one time.
In a statement, 7-Eleven Canada’s Vice President and General Manager, Norman Hower, expressed excitement about the new offering, stating that it will provide customers with more convenience and choice.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our customers the convenience of purchasing beer and cider in our stores. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our product offerings and provide our customers with more convenience and choice,” said Hower.
The AGCO also stated that they will continue to monitor and evaluate the sale of alcohol in convenience stores to ensure compliance with regulations and responsible service.
This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the potential increase in alcohol-related issues and others welcoming the convenience of being able to purchase alcohol at their local 7-Eleven.
The 7-Eleven locations that have been granted authorization to sell alcohol are spread across the province, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls.
With the expansion of alcohol sales to convenience stores, it is expected that other chains will follow suit in the coming months. However, the AGCO has stated that each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
For now, Ontarians can look forward to being able to purchase beer and cider at their local 7-Eleven starting next month.
