Convenience store owners see new alcohol sales as lifeline post-pandemic

Local stores eye recovery as alcohol sales begin Convenience store owners are hopeful being able to sell alcohol will help them recover from the pandemic.

Convenience stores in Ontario, including Simcoe County, are now permitted to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, and many owners who are still struggling post-pandemic hope the move offers relief.

"It is a lot more important because this will help get more customers to walk in," said Dhwanish Shah, owner of Town Centre Variety on Innisfil Beach Road in Innisfil.

Shah, like others, has faced economic challenges since the pandemic, and he believes offering alcohol could help his store remain competitive.

"[I'm] hoping that [sales] will increase by 15 per cent - should be more, but I'm just counting the bare minimum right now," he added.

The new provincial rules allow licensed convenience stores to sell alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, and at least 20 per cent of the beverages sold must come from Ontario craft producers.

"We're taking it as an opportunity to grow the brand, grow the product, and work together with our neighbours, and try to get our product out there," said Angelo Lo Giudice from Nickel Brook Brewing Co.

For Gina Gu, owner of Jeans Variety, the chance to sell alcohol is a lifeline. "There are so many convenience stores closed over the past few years. We hope this is a great chance for us to survive."

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada has called this a milestone, with the  Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario having granted roughly 4,200 licences so far.

Starting Oct. 31, big box and grocery stores will also be able to apply to sell beer, cider, and wine.