Ontarians aren't sure about alcohol in convenience stores

Premier Doug Ford authorized the sale of alcohol in convenience stores across Ontario since last Thursday.

Convenience stores are allowed to sell alcoholic products between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. However, Ontario citizens appear to be torn over this decision.

Abhijeet Singh works at Circle K in the Don Mills Road and Finch Avenue area in North York, one of the retailers which has started selling alcohol has mixed feelings about the new law being implemented. 

“I think I have mixed feelings regarding this situation," he said. “People have easy access to convenience stores, more so than (the) LCBO. Because they have easier access to alcohol, they will end up drinking more.”

Despite his concerns, Singh acknowledges the sale of alcohol in convenience stores will increase profits for businesses.

“Many customers finish work late, around 7, 7:30 p.m., so it’ll be easy for them to get access to these drinks and it will increase the total profit for the business,” he said.

Landscaper Chuck Wilson agrees with Singh. He said he is concerned about the possibility of an increase in alcoholism and the possibility of more underage drinking.

"Not a big fan," he said. "It might do harm, but they do it everywhere else in the world.

"I do believe it will get out of hand with some people, because there’s a problem at the bars, people were over serving and the government had to intervene and give out heavy penalties, it’ll be the same thing. And minors will be able to get it," Wilson said.

Humber student Brandon Mair does not have positive feelings about the introduction of alcohol to convenience stores either. 

“It makes it faster for people who want to enjoy themselves (with alcohol),” he said. “But I still think that it should be in dedicated stores rather than you just going somewhere and picking it up."

Mair is concerned about the accessibility of alcohol to such a broad range of people, some of who might not be equipped to acquire alcohol, such as underage people.

“I kinda see it as sort of a bad thing because you never really know who you’re really serving alcohol to, like who you’re handing the money to, so I feel like it’s too easy to acquire," he said. "It should be dedicated to just one store.”

The LCBO said it is not allowed to comment on the issue.