Mixed reviews and pre-mixed drinks as London gets ready for corner store booze sales
We’re getting closer to the day Ontarians will be able to buy a box of beer in their neighbourhood variety store. And while some are concerned about the social problems that could come with the expansion of alcohol sales, others see a business opportunity.
“All of a sudden we got a chance to have beer and ready-to-go drinks in our store and it’s very good, like it gives us more opportunity to grow,” said Guncha Pura, who operates Byron Mini-Mart in London’s Byron neighbourhood.
She says while the profit margin for alcohol sales will be small, it’s a chance to sell other products.
“More people will come in our store, and people will take drinks along with the snacks also, so it’s a good opportunity for us,” she explained.
Guncha Pura, owner of Byron Mini Mart, pictured on August 13, 2024 (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
The corner store, tucked away in a neighbourhood plaza, is one of thousands of variety stores across Ontario that will be allowed to sell beer, wine, and other pre-mixed drinks as of September 5. It’s part of the province’s plan to expand alcohol sales beyond beer and LCBO stores.
But there’s no shortage of opposition.
London city councilor Sam Trosow unsuccessfully opposed a liquor license application by a 7/11 near Western University. He’s even more concerned now.
“This is just going to make it easier for people to engage in this type of pre-drinking before they go to bars. Even for people who are under-age, they’re just going to need one person in their group who’s going to go in and get a big 12 pack, big 24 pack of beer or whatever. It’s just going to make it easier,” he said.
Byron Mini Mart, London, August 13, 2024 (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
Meanwhile, CTV News spoke with other local convenience stores about the prospect of selling booze. Some say they’re taking a ‘wait and see’ approach, while others, like Guncha Pura at Byron Mini Mart, are waiting for their first order to arrive.
“We are making more room. We are adding some shelves, coolers for the good start to go, yeah,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6999265.1723575735!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canada's foreign worker program a 'breeding ground for contemporary slavery,' says UN report
Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program serves as a 'breeding ground for contemporary slavery,' according to a scathing UN report examining Canada's efforts to limit unfair labour.
What will winter be like in Canada? Farmers' Almanac releases extended forecast
A whirlwind of rain and snow will blanket most of Canada this winter thanks in part to the La Nina weather pattern, according to the Farmers' Almanac's new extended weather forecast.
Black bear mauls 3-year-old girl in tent at Montana campground
A black bear mauled and injured a three-year-old girl in a tent at a private campground in Montana just north of Yellowstone National Park over the weekend, state wildlife officials said.
Trial date expected in September 2025 for hockey players charged in sexual assault
According to Superior Court documents from the London Courthouse a trial date is drawing near in the case against five former Canadian world junior hockey team players.
George Clooney has some choice words for Quentin Tarantino, who said he doesn't think Clooney is a movie star
George Clooney has a profanity-laced bone to pick with director Quentin Tarantino.
How the death-care industry is adapting to the modern consumer
The death-care industry, like any line of work, has had to learn to adapt to an evolving consumer and environment. But with a funeral home being a unique type of job, it does bring its own set of challenges.
Lawsuit challenging NCAA's ban of Canadian Hockey League players could upend college hockey
The NCAA was accused of boycotting Canadian Hockey League players from Division I competition in a class-action lawsuit filed on Tuesday that, if successful, could end college hockey’s longstanding ban on players deemed to be professionals.
Mazda Canada issues 'DO NOT DRIVE' advisory for cars affected by airbag recalls
Mazda is warning approximately 71,000 vehicle owners in Canada who have not yet repaired their cars following seven past safety recalls to urgently have them serviced.
Saskatchewan man arrested after three people have finger chopped off
A Saskatchewan man has been arrested after police say three people were threatened at gunpoint and each had a finger chopped off.