Selling alcohol at 7-Eleven near Western campus not being toasted by all

A 7-Eleven convenience store looking to sell alcohol for in-store consumption in London is being met with opposition as it makes its sales pitch to the licence appeal tribunal. 

A community consultation took place Monday for the location at Sarnia and Western roads, adjacent to Western University, with approximately a dozen people attending the virtual meeting. 

Sixty-one 7-Eleven stores in the province have applied for liquor licences to sell wine and beer, similar to a restaurant, and not for takeout. The alcohol and gaming commission says five of those applications have been withdrawn by 7-Eleven, leaving fifty-six locations still pending approval. 

So far, only the Leamington location been approved. 

"Our focus is on the safe and responsible sale of liquor, and ensuring the liquor licence application process is rigorous and thorough," wrote a spokesperson with the alcohol and gaming commission. 

On Monday, community members had their say as part of the application process, which also includes inspectors visiting the physical location of the store to ensure it meets standards.

The location of the store and its proximity to young people concerned many of the speakers.

"A number of students identified that the [area] can sort of make them feel a little bit sketchy and unsafe when it's nighttime especially," said Treena Orchard, an associate professor with Western University who studies on sexual and gender based violence and alcohol consumption.

She said university-aged students are more at risk for overconsuming alcohol and for experiencing sexual violence while intoxicated. 

"People are still learning how to drink and they're also drinking in very particular ways," Orchard said.

7-Eleven did not return a request for comment in time for publication. In the past, the company has said all staff handling wine and beer would be trained under Smart Serve — a provincially approved program that teaches employees how to serve alcohol responsibly.

"I can't imagine a site which is less appropriate for an alcohol serving license," said David Heap, another Western professor who spoke at the hearing. 

He points to the store location which is located at a busy intersection surrounded by student residences, with heavy vehicle and foot traffic. He said there are also two nearby elementary schools whose students frequent the store, and could be exposed to people drinking alcohol. 

He notes that Western University has multiple establishments that serve alcohol on campus, and despite inspections and staff training, Heap said he doubts 7-Eleven would uphold the same safety protocols employed on campus. 

According to participants, the hearing continues on June 14. 

Other London stores seeking a licence: 

• 1076 Commissioners Rd.
•  72 Wharncliffe Rd. N.