Despite a recent decision by the provincial government to ban the sale of alcohol in convenience stores, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) outlines that liquor sales in the new restaurant format 7-Eleven, such as the one present in Cochrane, will not be impacted.
Following an inquiry with the AGLC, they note that nothing has changed to Alberta’s liquor model, and that liquor sales have never been permitted in convenience stores in Alberta. Because of this, there will be nothing to enforce.
In terms of the new 7-Eleven, the AGLC explains that the establishment holds a Class A Minors-Allowed license.
“Class A Minors-Allowed licences are issued for the sale and consumption of liquor where food is the primary source of business,” they stated. “These 7-Eleven locations are licensed to operate an in-store restaurant that offers a small selection of alcohol beverage products to adult customers, during limited hours, for consumption in a designated and new dining area of the store.
“Several existing styles of retail businesses, including other convenience-style stores, have cafés and restaurants within their premises that meet these requirements and are currently licensed by AGLC.”
Like other Class A Minors-Allowed restaurants throughout Alberta, the AGLC outlined that the 7-Eleven restaurant-format store in Cochrane is obligated to abide by the regulatory requirements to ensure liquor service is provided safely and responsibly.
“Staff must meet mandatory ProServe liquor staff training certification requirements and be available to prepare food, serve food/liquor and supervise patrons during all hours of liquor service,” they said. “All alcohol beverage products must be accessible to trained staff only and sealed and stored in locked coolers that are in the licensed area, clearly delineated from the retail area of the store.
“Alcohol can be visible but only in the licensed area.”
The Eagle reached out to 7-Eleven corporate for a comment on the topic, but did not receive a response in time for publication.