Mac’s promises 170 jobs if Ontario allows alcohol sales in convenience stores

TORONTO – Mac’s Convenience Stores Inc. is promising to build 27 new convenience stores at the cost of $2 million each if it is granted the right to sell alcohol in Ontario.

Tom Moher, vice-president of operations of Mac’s central Canada division, said during a speech in Toronto that the new convenience stores would be built within two years of being granted the right to sell alcohol.

The new stores would be in Toronto. Brampton, Grey Bruce, London, Ottawa, Muskoka and other locations, Moher said at the Toronto Region Board of Trade .

They would create up to 170 full-time jobs and would equal a total investment of $54 million by Mac’s, which is owned by Aliment Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B).

When asked whether he’d allow convenience stores to sell booze in June, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa wouldn’t rule it out.

However, he also said there are no plans to change the structure of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario — one of the largest purchasers and retailers of alcohol in the world — which turned over $1.65 billion to the province last year.