Ottawa residents, retailers prepare for alcohol sales in convenience stores [Video]

A major shake up is coming to the alcohol retail marketplace in Ontario.

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Starting Sept. 5, booze will be available for purchase at dozens of corner stores and gas stations across Ottawa.

More than 4,000 convenience stores across the province have applied for a license to be able to sell alcohol and the changes will provide more options for consumers.

“We’re from Quebec, so we already have alcohol in our convenience stores. So I think it’s normal,” said George Tremoulis, who was visiting Ottawa over the weekend.

“I never thought otherwise, so I think it’s a great idea.”

Some worry about how the new policy will affect public safety.

“There’s a lot of homelessness and drug addiction in this neighborhood so having alcohol sold in convenience stores like right here might, make that problem a …