A 7-Eleven in Calgary will be the first location to implement the new program where customers can pair their food with an alcoholic beverage in their licensed section of the store.

7-11 has nine locations in Alberta and one in Ontario now allowing customers to do this. 

“We chose that location because of its strong food sales, and we think locally our customers will enjoy local craft beer or wine in our cooler offerings,” said Marc Goodman, vice-president and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada.

Those wanting an alcoholic beverage must show valid government ID, and then purchase it before being given access to a locked cooler.

Staff handling alcohol are ProServe trained and alcohol is only available between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Goodman said there had been no incidents safety-wise since they started offering alcohol at Canadian stores.

American convenience stores have been selling alcohol for decades so it now adds convenience to Canadian stores. 

“When we’re down in the States, you can buy it at the grocery stores all the time,” he said. “We’ve done it before, for sure. It’s a little more convenient.”

The roster of stores offering a beer with a Big Bite hotdog in the city will likely increase in the coming months as the company works with licensing and other regulations.

SOURCE: Calgary Herald