'It's an exciting day

Launch of booze sales in Ontario convenience stores brings cheers from owners, curiosity from customers

- JOSH RUBIN AND MARISA COULTON

We’re thirsty-curious.

The first day of alcohol sales at Ontario convenience stores Thursday brought plenty of interested customers, but not everyone was buying — at least not yet.

At Vani’s Convenience in Brampton, owner Manish Takker said customers seemed pleased with the new offerings, but sales weren’t exactly blowing the doors off.

“People are coming in and checking out the selection, and asking what hours we can sell, but we’ve basically got our usual sales so far,” said Takker.

“A few people are buying singles or six-packs. It’s only mid-afternoon, so maybe more people will buy after work.”

More than 4,000 convenience stores across the province have been licensed to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails such as hard seltzers. Grocery and big-box stores will be able to sell alcohol as of Oct. 31, although roughly 450 are already selling alcohol under terms of the Master Framework Agreement which expires at the end of 2025.

Still, Takker, said, being able to sell alcohol will be a big boost for convenience stores — not just because of the drink sales.