Against alcohol in convenience stores

The Ontario government is considering loosening provincial liquor laws.

However lobbyists like Matt Evans of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving say selling alcohol at places like corner stores could have devastating results.

“I would like to challenge those who feel that alcohol in convenience stores is a good idea. Ask any teenager or kid in the street, ask a teenager this question: ‘if alcohol was available in convenience stores would it be easier for your kids at your school to get it?’. And I think we know the answer.”

“So when we phrase it that way it doesn’t become a question about convenience, it becomes a question about community safety. ”

This comes after the LCBO announced it will sell beer, wine, and spirits at kiosks in select grocery stores. The Beer Store has also begun campaigning against the idea of alcohol sales at corner stores, warning it could increase the risk of sales to minors.

Impaired driving is still the number one killer of teenagers.