Free our Beer? Questioning the Logic of the OCSA – Part 2

Can convenience stores control access to alcohol as well as the LCBO?

Last week we considered the Ontario Convenience Store Association’s (OCSA) claim that Ontarians want beer and wine to be sold in convenience stores, and found that the answer to this is unclear.  This renewed effort to get public support is in response to the potential for an LCBO strike over the May long weekend.  This week, let’s consider another of the OCSA’s claims - that convenience store operators are better at checking ID of potential underage purchasers.

Checking for ID is an important part of keeping alcohol out of the hands of those under 19.  It is however, not the only responsibility of the alcohol retailer.  They must also be prepared to challenge and refuse those who are buying alcohol for minors or those who are already intoxicated. LCBO staff must complete mandatory Challenge and Refusal training – a key strategy for reducing alcohol related harm in the individual and the community. Despite claims from the OCSA’s secret shopper program, it is not known if these other important challenge functions were considered.

If convenience stores were permitted to sell alcohol, what could this mean for Ontario communities? 

Increased harm to youth?

·       Alcohol is the number one drug chosen by youth and is used by 54.9% of grade 7 to 12 students according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey.

·       Last summer a KFL&A Public Health tobacco enforcement check found that 12% of the 89 stores checked had sold tobacco to shoppers under the age of 19.   When it comes to potential alcohol sales to youth, this failure is particularly concerning as the risk for immediate harm to youth is already high.

·       We do not know how well convenience stores will manage the sale of alcohol to those attempting to buy for minors.   

·       Youth exposure to alcohol products is also of concern.  A question to ask ourselves is: do we really want our children and youth to be exposed continually to alcohol products and marketing in convenience stores when they go to purchase items such as bread, milk or candy? This exposure and branding will increase the normalization of the product at a very impressionable age.

Increased risky drinking?

·       We do not know how well convenience stores will manage the sale of alcohol to those already intoxicated. 

Increased harm in the community?

·       The potential for increased youth drinking and increased risky drinking in general should be of concern for community members, businesses and government.  The economic and social costs associated with alcohol-related harms are not something we should ignore. 

While it now looks like an LCBO strike is unlikely, it is still worthwhile to consider if ‘freeing our beer’ is the responsible action to take in the long run?  Public safety, community well being and economic benefits must be equally considered.  Next week in Part 3 of this discussion, we will consider if the OCSA’s need for modernization and further convenience is as simple as they make it sound.