London convenience store owners mark first week of alcohol sales under new provincial rules [Video]

Interest has been milder than expected for the beer and coolers lining a fridge of Mike Ayoub’s convenience store, but the longtime London shop owner says he anticipates sales will only pick up as word of mouth spreads.

“People are very excited. I don’t know why,” said Ayoub, himself a non-drinker.

“I was very skeptical before, and still, I’m not very enthusiastic about it. But as a downtown business, I think I have to carry it because it will eventually bring more business — but I hope it won’t bring more trouble.”

Ayoub’s store, Fresh & Fast Food Mart, is one of more than 140 London convenience stores that can now sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails since Sept. 5 as part of the province’s alcohol sale expansion plans.

The Ford government fast-tracked its plans by more than a year, allowing upwards of 4,000 stores across Ontario to sell …