Last month convenience stores across Ontario which had successfully applied for licenses began to offer alcohol under new rules outlined in Premier Ford’s 2018 election campaign.
According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, 4,146 convenience stores across the province received their license as of September 5th, when the new rules came into effect. These outlets are now allowed to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails from 7 am until 11pm every day. At the end of the month, licensed grocery stores which already sell beer and wine will expand their offerings to include pre-mixed drinks commonly called coolers.
Millbrook Convenience is among the stores now selling alcohol under the new rules. The room at the rear of the outlet where videos were displayed at one time now includes displays of wine and beer selections currently on offer. A commercial fridge had not yet arrived and the product offerings are limited at the moment due to supply issues. While producers were aware that the new rules were coming, the roll out date was much earlier than had been anticipated, creating a scramble to deliver product to these new distributors. MacEwen Gas and Convenience Store on County Rd. 28 in Springville is another local convenience retailer licensed under the new rules.
For many convenience store owners, this new opportunity is expected to be a game-changer, boosting foot traffic and cross-selling opportunities. The chair of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association has projected a boost of 30 to 40 percent in revenue as a result of the introduction of these products, which is welcome in an industry that has been struggling. David Kim purchased Millbrook Convenience in 2018 and since then, business at his outlet has been strong, despite shifting consumer tastes. As tobacco sales have waned, the local appetite for snack food has grown. His success in this challenging industry might be attributed to his extraordinary effort to stock unusual items. Mr. Kim makes weekly trips to Toronto to purchase specific items including Tahiti Treat and Vanilla Coke to supplement the products delivered by regular suppliers. He has seen alcohol sales starting to climb, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings and as word spreads, he expects this trend to continue.
For many years, alcohol has been available in rural Ontario in small LCBO Convenience outlets located in retail shops and gas stations including the Bethany General Store and the Ultramar gas station in Cavan. Spirits such as vodka, whiskey and gin are only available at LCBO locations.
Opinions about the new policy are mixed. Some are cheering it on as the elimination of “antiquated, prohibition era” restrictions, while others are concerned that the move expands access to alcohol and potentially pits profit motives against public safety.
The proliferation of cannabis and alcohol outlets thanks to more liberalized government policy has ensured the public has easier access to products associated with good times and relaxation. Are they trying to distract us from some of their other policies that have us so stressed? KG