Convenience stores can start selling booze today — but some local outlets aren’t stocked yet

Although sales of alcohol at convenience stores begins today across Ontario, at least a few Sault Ste. Marie retailers who received a licence are not yet stocked to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages.

Licenced retailers were allowed to begin selling certain alcoholic beverages as of Thursday. Convenience stores will be allowed to sell those products between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week.

At least a few local retailers are not ready to sell alcohol on day one of the program. Airways General Store near Airport Road did not have stock on Thursday morning. Neither did the Esso Gas and Convenience on Bruce Street or Krazy Ernie's on McNabb Street.

Krazy Ernie's owner John Chang said he expects to receive stock shortly.

"The first shipment is expected today, but we need time to set it up," said Chang. "It should be here any time."

"For me, I don't even drink. It's a new territory, you know? I want to start it and see how it goes," he added.

The Ontario government says the addition of 4,200 convenience stores is the largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience in provincial alcohol sales since the end of prohibition.

In the Sault, eight licenced Circle K locations make up the bulk of the local convenience stores that will offer alcohol sales.

Circle K locations:

Second Line at Goulais Avenue
Wellington Street West at Henrietta Avenue 
Second Line at Pine Street
McNabb Street at Pine Street
Wellington Street East at Pine Street
Boundary Road near Trunk Road
Dacey Road at Chambers Avenue
Third Line at Great Northern Road

Esso Gas and Convenience:

Bruce Street at Great Northern Road
Trunk Road at Wellington Street East

Shell Gas and Convenience:

Great Northern Road at Second Line
Trunk Road and Wellington Street East

Independent stores now licenced:

The Airways General Store on Second Line West at Airport Road
Krazy Ernie's Food Mart on McNabb Street at Willow Avenue
Chippewa Trading Post on Great Northern Road at Fourth Line