You'll be able to enjoy a beer with your 7-Eleven taquito this fall

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OTTAWA — This ain’t your daddy’s Big Gulp.

Starting in early September, having a beer with your mates may soon be as close as your nearest 7-Eleven, as the quick convenience giant plans to alcohol — and eventually in-store dining — to Ontario.

Already a thing in Alberta, a province that boasts 19 licenced 7-Elevens, many Ontario stores will allow customers to purchase or arrange delivery of sealed alcohol as of Sept. 5, with in-store consumption coming soon after.

In a company press release, training of staff at the 58 licenced 7-Eleven locations in Ontario is already underway.

“Kudos to Premier Doug Ford, and the Ontario government for fulfilling a promise and for modernizing alcohol retailing in Ontario,” said 7-Eleven Canada VP and General Manager Marc Goodman.

“Our customers have wanted this change for a long time, and we’re excited to make the lives of Ontarians even more convenient.” 

Goodman credits leadership within both the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and LCBO for the smooth rollout of the initiative.

Once the program starts Sept. 5, a selection of beer, wine and ready-to-drink coolers will be available for purchase.

Once that’s rolled out, customers will be able to consume store-purchased alcohol at tables and chairs in-store, alongside the chain’s regular menu of prepared food, including chicken wings, pizza, hot dogs, taquitos and sandwiches.

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The stores will join Ontario’s two existing licenced 7-Elevens in Niagara Falls and Leamington.

Additional stores will allow in-store consumption once AGCO licencing is complete.

Once complete, the move will add about 60 full-time jobs to its Ontario stores.

On Thursday, 7-Eleven opened its 19th licenced store in Alberta — located in northeast Edmonton.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com

@BryanPassifiume