As grocery stores prepare to toast a new selection of alcoholic products this week, convenience stores are also gearing up to enter the alcohol market.
The expansion of alcohol sales in Ontario stores is in the spotlight after Premier Doug Ford announced that supermarkets and big-box stores will be permitted to sell ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and large-sized beer packs this Thursday.
Initially set for August, this change has been moved up to July 18 — about two weeks after LCBO workers commenced strike action.
Another significant change is on the horizon on Sept. 5, when convenience stores in Ontario will also be allowed to sell alcohol.
According to Terry Yaldo, owner of Midway Convenience in Windsor, Ont. and chair of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA), about 80 stores in the city have been approved for licences to sell alcohol starting that day.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think …