More than 300 Toronto corner stores can sell alcohol as of Thursday [Video]

For alcohol drinkers in Ontario, Thursday is the beginning of a new era — the first day that thousands of convenience stores across the province will be able to sell booze. 

The availability of beer, wine and ready-made cocktails at corner stores is happening faster than initially anticipated. Premier Doug Ford’s government first released its strategy to “modernize” the alcohol market last December, but it wasn’t supposed to take effect until 2026.

In May, that timeline was accelerated by more than a year — something store operators are welcoming. 

“A lot of people are excited. They’re looking at this as a new chapter in the industry,” said Terry Yaldo, chair of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association and the owner of a convenience store in Windsor, Ont.

“I would rather experience a shorter timeline and get this rolling and kind of work out the kinks than wait.” 

As part of that acceleration, the province will have to pay The Beer …