Alcohol sales reinvigorating convenience store industry, Ontario Convenience Store Association says

For over two months, convenience stores in Ontario have been able to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages and it's kept some of those businesses afloat, according to the Ontario Convenience Store Association (OCSA).

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

"Everybody generally is seeing an increase in business from this," said Terry Yaldo, chair of the OCSA.

"It has been a positive experience and great that the government's done this sooner than later."

On Sept. 5, the provincial government's plan to expand the sale of alcohol in Ontario was put in place, allowing licensed convenience stores to sell alcoholic beverages that were previously only sold at the LCBO, The Beer Store or some grocery stores.

According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, 4,792 convenience stores in the province have been given a license to sell liquor as of Nov. 14.

Yaldo is also the owner of Midway Convenience Store in Windsor, Ont., and says the foot traffic from having alcohol on the shelves is a welcome sight.

"In this industry, it's tough. We've had challenges with tobacco sales," he said.

"A lot of stores across the province were looking for that next big thing."

The convenience store industry has been declining in recent years according to Yaldo, but alcohol sales have provided a boost even with the policy only being in place for a few months.

Yaldo says it's given store owners "a new drive."

"To have this new category that could increase sales from 20 per cent and up is a game changer for us," he said.

"We're hoping this will save a lot of stores and communities because I think we're an important fabric of society."

Brockville, Ont. resident Deanna Garton says she hasn't gone to a convenience store to buy booze yet, because the traditional options are fine for her.

"Haven't had the need to," she said. " I usually go to the LCBO or if it's beer, we'll just get it in the grocery store."

It's a matter of convenience for Garton, who adds if she was in a pinch, she'd head into the nearest corner store to grab a bottle of wine now that it's an option.

As for Dale Chisamore, he'll stick to the LCBO.

"I like to have more choice," he said. "Stores are small. They couldn't possibly have the same choice."

Doug Williams thinks the convenience of finding beer in a corner store outweighs the limited selection.

"If I'm going to the convenience store, I just want something quick. Quality's probably not my concern," he said.