A province’s decision to let more than 4,000 convenience stores start selling alcohol continues to stir up controversy.
What happened: Within a few weeks of Ontario rolling out alcohol sales to convenience stores, the province’s financial watchdog has launched an investigation into why the process was expedited by a year, a decision that is costing taxpayers up to an extra $225 million.
- At the centre of the investigation is the decision to launch convenience store sales before the end of an exclusivity agreement with The Beer Store in 2025.
Why it matters: While the pace of expanding sales is in focus, the broader conversation is still around the decision to increase the availability of alcohol at all. Consumers gain choice and convenience, but health experts say it will increase consumption and hurt Ontarians.
- Minors don’t have much trouble getting their hands on alcohol as is, but studies do show convenience stores are less likely to ID them (your writer can confirm this).
Big picture: Neighbouring Québec, with its liberal alcohol rules, sees the highest rate of alcohol consumption in all provinces. The drinking age is one of the country’s youngest and corner stores have long sold alcohol, but hey, it’s what the majority of people want.—SB