Alcohol in convenience stores has been a ‘game-changer,’ Ontario association chair says [Video]

The introduction of alcohol in convenience stores has led to positive experiences for business owners “across the board” and may have even prevented shops from shutting down, the chair of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association says.

Terry Yaldo, who also is an independent convenience store owner in Windsor, told INsauga.com in an interview that the “long overdue” expansion has been “a positive step forward.”

“This is the way society is supposed to function, if you ask me,” Yaldo said.

“We shouldn’t have these monopolies and then you have stores like mine, or convenience stores across the province, that have to suffer. So it’s nice to see it open up.”

Thousands of convenience stores in Ontario were allowed to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink beverages as of Sept. 5.

The move was part of the province’s wider alcohol sales expansion, with Sept. 5 marking one of the most significant …