‘Absolutely a nightmare’: Hamilton council objects to 7-Eleven’s booze plan

Hamilton city council wants 7-Eleven to stick with Slurpees and not serve beer and wine.

Looking at this as a business plan makes a great deal of sense, but looking at it from a community perspective, it's absolutely a nightmare," Coun. Sam Merulla said Wednesday.

The chain has applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to allow beer and wine consumption at 61 stores in the province - but not for takeout or delivery.

One of those is at 415 Melvin Ave., which is in Merulla's ward, and another is at 622 Upper Wellington St., which is in Coun. John-Paul Danko's ward.

That's only two, but what works for 7-Eleven could obviously conceivably apply" to any convenience store across the city, Danko said.

Nobody's really sure why exactly 7-Eleven is looking for in-store alcohol consumption, but obviously, there's some far-ranging consequences to the community if this was to be allowed."

Council rallied behind Danko and Merulla's call to formally object to 7-Eleven's applications for liquor sales licences.

Increasing access to booze, and frankly, cheap booze, buck-a-beer booze, is accelerating a public health crisis," Coun. Maureen Wilson said.

In an email, 7-Eleven Canada said it's excited" by the province's commitment to extend beer and wine retailing to convenience stores."

The chain has applied for liquor sales licences to complement our extensive fresh and hot food programs."

The goal is an enhanced, in-store dining experience for our customers who already enjoy our menu of prepared hot and fresh foods."

Staff would receive Smart Serve training to sell alcohol along with hot food.

The AGCO expects to finish reviewing public feedback in coming weeks, after which eligibility officers will notify 7-Eleven stores of objections.

This gives the applicant an opportunity to work with objectors to address their concerns," AGCO spokesperson Raymond Kahnert wrote in an email.

If resolutions aren't reached, the AGCO could propose a review that an independent tribunal could hear.

The city has already filed a notice of objection, said Ken Leendertse, Hamilton's bylaw and licensing director.

If council makes an official objection, the issue automatically" goes to the tribunal, Leendertse noted.

Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com