Convenience Connect - 2018 Vol. 6

Published: Mon, 12/03/18

A Look At 2018; What To Expect In 2019

After a busy and productive 2018, the Ontario Convenience Stores Association is preparing for an even more exciting 2019. In his annual outlook summary, President Dave Bryans talks about the year that was and what members can expect heading forward.

The OCSA would also like to take this opportunity to wish each and every person involved with helping convenience stores thrive in their local community a warm happy holidays. Without the support of passionate small business owners like you, we could not continue to make progress as we have.

Happy Holidays!

Read The OCSA's 2019 Outlook

Government Confirms Desire To Open Alcohol Market

We've discussed in the past this government's intentions to open the alcohol market and put beer and wine in convenience stores. This is a great opportunity for our sector and one that we've been working toward for years.

In the Fall Economic Statement, the government again spoke about how it plans to modernize the alcohol industry, broadening access to beverage alcohol and even extending the hours of operation for existing alcohol retailers.

Read The Fall Economic Statement

Min. Wage Hike Among Cancelled Changes

The provincial government has come up with a complete list of the items it will cancel from the previous government's amendments to the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act.

Among the floated changes that will now be axed is the minimum wage hike that would have pushed labour up to $15.00 an hour in 2019.

Other proposed changes that will no longer take place include the removal of the right of employers to request medical notes and the three-hour rule.

More Amendments To Bill 148

Bill 36 Vaping Regulations Finally Revealed

After several months of deliberation, the government has unveiled new rules that will regulate the sale of vaping products in convenience stores.

While we wrote previously about changes to the sale of these products and the postponement of those changes, the latest Bill 36 regulations will be the ones that actually affect the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

The new regulations have banned the display of vape products on the counter and back wall and, like tobacco, they must be hidden from view. The new regulations, however, do not prohibit the promotion of the product to adult tobacco smokers.

Formal Changes To Vaping Rules

Ontario Convenience Stores Excel In Government Age-Check Inspections

New results from data obtained from the provincial government show that Ontario convenience stores consistently sell age-restricted products like tobacco, lottery tickets, alcohol, and vaping products responsibly.

In 2017, nearly 20,000 mystery shopping checks were conducted by public health units in support of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, and convenience stores were found to be 95.7% successful at denying sales to those under 19.

Age-Check Inspection Data

Alcohol and Gaming Commission Releases Web Portal For Customers

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has released a web portal to provide additional convenience to its customers. The website will allow customers access to the AGCO's online services and conduct related transactions online.

About The iAGCO Web Portal

Government Formally Address Contraband

The provincial government has weighed in on the illegal tobacco market, tackling the growing concern in the recently released 2018 Fall Economic Statement.

While the OCSA and members in the convenience store sector across Canada have expressed concern with contraband cigarettes, a receptive government could substantially help drive policy change.

The government's announcement to cancel the expected tobacco tax rate hike that would have boosted prices by an additional $4.00 in 2019 will help to lessen the appeal of unregulated, illegal tobacco but there's plenty more work to be done on this file.

The PC's Tackle Contraband

PUDO Seeks Convenience Store Partners

E-commerce logistics technology company PUDO Inc (Pick Up Drop Off) seeks Ontario convenience store partners in strategic locations to join its national network of parcel pick-up and drop-off points.

PUDO connects people with their parcels in existing storefronts conveniently located near to where people live and work, so they can pick-up or drop-off parcels purchased online, if they can’t be home to meet the courier.

PUDO partners benefit from per-visit fees, immediate and escalating foot traffic and high-margin impulse sales.

More About PUDO

Balanced Diet Remains Key To A Healthy Life

Many Canadians could benefit from incorporating the foods we know to be the best for our health in larger amounts while being a bit more mindful about the portions of foods that aren’t quite as nutritious.

Here's a quick guide to help make sure that you're providing the best nutrition for your loved ones.

Balancing Your Diet

Age Verification: Never Forget To Ask Explicitly

Retailers throughout Ontario need to be vigilant when it comes to age testing for tobacco and lottery everyday, and employees need to have the tools to insure they properly age test perceived underage customers (25 and under).

The OCSA has approval from Smoke-Free Ontario and all Public Health Units to display the following program on the counter in all stores to assist in age testing. This approved program protects employees and businesses from making any mistakes when it comes to selling age restricted products.

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