Ontario’s retail landscape is undergoing a shift as convenience stores across the province begin selling alcoholic beverages starting Thursday.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved approximately 4,800 convenience store licenses for alcohol sales. The expansion allows these retailers to offer beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages to customers.
Some have expressed concern about the potential impact on youth and communities. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) has raised alarms about the proximity of these newly licensed stores to educational institutions.
OSSTF President Karen Littlewood highlighted the lack of regulations regarding the distance between licensed convenience stores and schools. She pointed out that some stores, like Convenience Canada on Queen Street West in Toronto, are located just 130 meters from schools such as Parkdale Collegiate Institute.
The move contrasts with existing regulations for cannabis retailers, which must maintain a 150-meter distance from school properties. The discrepancy has sparked debates about consistency in public health and safety measures.
Community reactions are mixed. Some residents support the initiative, citing increased convenience and competition. Others worry about the potential risks associated with easy access to alcohol near schools and public spaces.
The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has accelerated the timeline for the policy change. Initially slated for implementation by 2026, the government moved the date forward to September 2023 for convenience stores and October 31, 2023, for grocery stores.
To ensure compliance, the AGCO is intensifying inspections of licensed retailers. In a recent case, Mabelle Tuck Shop in Etobicoke faced a 21-day suspension of its alcohol retail license for allegedly selling alcohol before the official start date.
Related: Over 4,000 Ontario convenience stores approved for alcohol sales on September 5th
