CENTRE WELLINGTON – As of today, convenience stores across Ontario (including eight in Fergus and two in Elora) can sell alcohol, marking a significant shift in the province’s alcohol marketplace.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has issued 4,200 licenses to convenience stores, allowing them to sell booze from 7 am to 11 pm.
The Ontario Convenience Store Association expects a substantial increase in foot traffic, with around 40% of stores already signed up to sell alcohol. However, others are adopting a wait-and-see approach.
To support local producers, the stores are required to dedicate 20% of their beer, cider, and pre-mixed cocktail display space to small Ontario producers and 10% of their wine display space to small Ontario wineries.
Here is a list of local convenience stores that are now approved to sell alcohol:
FERGUS:
- Circle K, 101 St. Andrew St. E.
- Quick Pick Variety, 735 Tower St. S.
- Shell, 777 Tower St. S.
- CH Convenience, 860 Tower St. S., Unit 6
- Hasty Market, 165 Tower St. N
- Thirteen Petroleum, 550 Garafraxa St. E.
- East Side Shell, 290 Scotland St.
- Esso, 810 St. David St. N.
ELORA:
- Hilltop Variety, 58 Wellington Rd. 7, Suite 4
- Elora Mart, 16 Mill St. E., Suite 3
