These 7-Eleven stores in Mississauga could start serving alcohol soon

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Published March 10, 2021 at 8:38 pm

7-eleven

The labour council that represents workers in Brampton and Mississauga says it’s concerned about the province’s plan to allow 7-Eleven stores to serve liquor on site. 

In a statement posted on social media, the Peel Regional Labour Council said that 7-Eleven–a popular Texas-based chain–has asked the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for permission to serve beer and wine at 61 locations across the province.

Three of those locations are in Mississauga and two are in Brampton. 

“In effect, they are turning their overpriced corporate corner stores and gas stations into bars,” the council said on Twitter. 

“Not only does this raise some significant red flags for drinking and driving, but it also points to another part of the campaign for creeping privatization of the LCBO…we know that this is not for the benefit of our communities, but to help out major corporate players.” 

According to the AGCO’s website, 7-Eleven has applied for liquor licenses at the following locations:

Mississauga:

  • 6980 Lisgar Dr.
  • 2330 Battleford Rd. 
  • 3965 Thomas St. 

Brampton: 

  • 150 Main St. N.
  • 140 Father Tobin Rd. 

Premier Doug Ford promised during election campaigning to make beer and wine available in corner stores, grocery stores and big-box stores, and in 2019 the government said it would add the sale of beer, wine and cider to almost 300 more stores.

Meanwhile, 7-Eleven has been experimenting with new layouts in the U.S. It has opened several locations there called Evolution Stores, which include Laredo Taco Company restaurants, kombucha on tap, beauty and electronics products, and an area called “The Cellar,” which serves local craft beer and cider on tap in “growler stations.”

The convenience chain has not said whether its Ontario locations would look anything like the Evolution Stores, but has said that the plan to serve wine and beer in Ontario would “complement our fresh food and hot food programs.”

Peel Regional Labour Council is calling on its supporters to present their objections to the AGCO. 

“We need you, as community members, to file objections to the 7-Eleven liquor application within the Peel Region,” the council said, adding that they believe the stores could increase underage drinking and alcoholism in Brampton and Mississauga. 

7-Eleven Canada said on March 8 that it has an exemplary track record of being a responsible retailer.

Residents can file objections until March 11. 

With files from Anita Balakrishnan, The Canadian Press

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