It looks like Ontario’s about to see “new” convenient places for quick bites, beer, and wine.
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven has received a liquor sales license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), allowing it to serve chilled beer, wine, and coolers at a restaurant within one of its stores.
The province’s first licensed store is at 138 Erie Street in Leamington. 7-Eleven plans to expand this offering to other locations in the province.
The Leamington store was updated with a full remodel that features an enclosed dining area. The restaurant menu will include hot plates such as chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, and potato wedges.
In March last year, 61 Ontario 7-Eleven stores applied for a license to serve alcohol on their premises, prompting the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents 8,000 Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers to file objections to the proposal with AGCO. LCBO is the primary retailer of alcoholic beverages in the province.
“7-Eleven says it’s trying to make its stores into restaurants where alcohol can be served, but we all know the truth: kids and teens will find themselves shoulder-to-shoulder with intoxicated people washing down a Twinkie with a six-pack,” said OPSEU President Smokey Thomas.
All alcoholic products at these 7-Eleven licensed restaurants will be stored in locked cabinets and coolers and will be available for purchase between 12 p.m. and 11 p.m.
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