Two local politicians and a labour group want the idea of popping into a convenience store for a pint shut down.
London North Centre New Democrat MPP Terence Kernaghan, Ward 6 Councillor Mariam Hamou, and the London and District Labour Council issued a statement Tuesday against 7-Eleven’s bid to serve beer and wine on-site.
The Texas-based convenience store giant has applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for liquor licences for 61 of its locations in the province, including 1181 Western Rd. in London. If approved, 7-Eleven would be permitted to serve alcohol to customers in a designated area in its stores. Carry out alcohol sales would not be allowed.
“In effect, they are turning their overpriced corporate corner stores and gas stations into bars,” said London and District Labour Council President Patti Dalton. “7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours a day, with a typically underpaid and minimally trained young staff. Employees may find themselves in a difficult position to refuse an intoxicated customer.”
Dalton went on to suggest that allowing 7-Eleven to serve alcohol would increase the likelihood of drinking and driving as many of its locations include gas stations.
The group particularly is opposed to the location at Western and Sarnia roads being granted a liquor licence because of its proximity to Western University.
“There are over 4,000 first year students within the direct vicinity of this store, and putting alcohol sales here is a recipe for disaster,” said Hamou, whose ward includes the 7-Eleven location on Western Road.
She noted that there have already been many alcohol-fuelled assaults near the store, including a fight that led to the death of 18-year-old Gabriel Neil in September 2021.
“There are some serious safety issues and we need to help people feel safer in this area,” said Hamou. “I strongly recommend against any additional alcohol stores around underaged student residences and therefore hope this application is rejected.”
Kernaghan added that many concerns have also been raised by people who live and work in the area.
“Residents and nearby businesses have been clear that 7-Eleven should not be granted liquor licenses that allow people to drink inside corner stores,” Kernaghan said. “It’s not fair to struggling local restaurants and bars, presents serious issues to community safety, and won’t make anyone’s lives better. 7-Eleven isn’t a restaurant.”
Due to the public interest in the 7-Eleven applications, the AGCO Registrar issued a notice of proposal which would review, refuse, revoke or suspend a licence. The company is appealing the proposal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO. The hearing into the application for 1181 Western Road has been scheduled for Friday.
LondonNewsToday.ca reached out to 7-Eleven’s corporate office for comment on the application and upcoming hearing, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.
