Concerns as 7-Eleven near Western University set to begin selling booze

Article content

Safety concerns are resurfacing over the sale of alcohol at a 7-Eleven location near Western University’s campus, as the store prepares to start selling alcoholic beverages on Sept. 5.

The move comes after the province announced earlier this summer eligible convenience stores would soon be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.

Article content

7-Eleven said it had received liquor licences for 58 Ontario locations in a news release issued earlier this month.

Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow has been outspoken in his opposition to the sale of alcohol at the 7-Eleven at 1181 Western Rd. on the southwestern edge of Western’s campus.

“I think this is very bad,” he said of looming alcohol sales at the store. “And of all the outlets, I really worry about that intersection a lot.”

The 7-Eleven location at the corner of Western and Sarnia roads is kitty-corner to the Western University campus recreation centre and within 150 metres of four university residences home to 2,400 students.

Additional foot and vehicle traffic to the site will exacerbate safety issues around the high-traffic intersection, Trosow said.

“It’s a very congested site,” he said. “I think having alcohol sales at that corner will be particularly problematic.”

This is not the first time this particular 7-Eleven has been caught up in tension over liquor licensing.

In July 2023, a provincial tribunal ordered a liquor licence be awarded to the location that would allow the store to serve alcohol in a section of the store converted into a 10-seat restaurant space.

Article content

In submissions to the tribunal, opponents at the time (including Trosow) claimed allowing alcohol sales at the location would have a “negative effect” on Western students and the neighbourhood. They were concerned alcohol service at the spot could lead to increased drinking by students, more sexual violence, the potential for more human trafficking and increased danger to students and drivers at the intersection of Sarnia and Western roads.

With the province’s decision to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores, Trosow said that process was for nothing.

“What (7-Eleven) really wanted, in the long run, was to be able to have off-site sales,” he said.

“Premier (Doug) Ford has made it very clear that this has been something he wants to do and he’s doing (it),” Trosow said. “Sadly, I would say the city does not have the ability to undo (this).

“This is on the province,” he said.

While Western operates on-campus bars – including the Wave, the Spoke and the Grad Club – the availability of alcohol retailers and alcohol-serving facilities immediately near campus has been limited. The nearest LCBO stores to campus are kilometres away, in the Masonville neighbourhood or at Wonderland Road and Oxford Street.

Representatives from Western University and 7-Eleven could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Article content