Ontario plans to ramp up inspections as alcohol rolls out to convenience stores [Video]

Ontario is set to dramatically ramp up its enforcement capabilities when beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages hit corner stores in less than a month’s time.

So far, the Alcohol Gaming and Commission of Ontario has granted licenses to just over half the province’s convenience stores.

The agency told Global News it had approved 3,830 new licenses as of Aug. 11 — a little more than half the 6,700 stores province-wide. Those licenses have gone to convenience stores, gas stations and outlets within malls, among other places.

As the government has allowed more businesses to sell booze, expert organizations have warned that more points of sale mean more risks, stressing the need for rigorous inspections and a training regime.

Global News obtained a summary of meetings between the government and several advocacy groups, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Arrive Alive, using freedom of information laws.

MADD told the government that …