Ontarians are reacting to the idea of drinking booze inside 7-Eleven stores after the convenience store chain announced it will start rolling out in-store dining.
The company says it has received liquor licenses for 58 of its locations and will start selling beer, wine and ready to drink beverages as of Sept. 5, according to a press release issued earlier this month.
However, 7-Eleven is awaiting approval for in-store dining at licensed liquor locations which requires additional permissions that are yet to be granted. If approved, this means residents could take a seat and drink their alcohol inside select 7-Eleven locations.
The company currently operates two licensed restaurant-format stores in Leamington and Niagara Falls, ON., as well as 20 licensed locations across Alberta.
Marc Goodman, vice president and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada, is commending Premier Doug Ford for seeing through on his plans to revolutionize alcohol sales in the province.
“Kudos to Premier Doug Ford, and the Ontario government for fulfilling a promise and for modernizing alcohol retailing in Ontario,” Goodman said in a statement.
“Our customers have wanted this change for a long time, and we’re excited to make the lives of Ontarians even more convenient,” he continued.
However, in reaction to the news, Toronto Councillor for Toronto-St. Paul’s Josh Matlow says the government should be focusing on “real things” instead.
Meanwhile, NDP MPP for Spadina-Fort York Chris Glover says Ford is “selling off” Ontario.
Residents across the province have been reacting to news too.
“I’m not an alcoholic by any means but being able to access it in more places seems better for everyone,” one X user wrote.
“Blue vodka slush, here I come,” another person said.
Others expressed worry over the safety of employees..
“I am concerned with the safety of employees. There are 16/17 year old teens working at these stores. What kind of security will there be to prevent shoplifting?,” one X user wrote.
Once the rollout is complete, 7-Eleven Canada expects to add about 60 full-time positions to its Ontario stores.
In the meantime, its staff are undergoing training and preparing to receive the first liquor shipments.
In December 2023, Premier Doug Ford first announced that his government would extend the sale of ready to drink booze, beer and wine to licensed convenience, big-box and grocery stores beginning no later than January 2026. However, the rollout was accelerated to last month when ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and large beer packs were available to purchase at grocery stores and convenience stores.
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The LCBO is the only retailer where spirits, such as vodka, gin and whisky, will be sold.
