The Beer Store to Close 11 More Ontario Locations by July
The Beer Store is set to close 11 more Ontario locations on July 6, 2025, adding to a growing list of shutdowns that’s now reached 44 stores since May 2024. The closures include branches in Toronto, Oakville, Windsor, and Richmond Hill, sparking concern over price stability, product selection, and container return options.
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Where Are The Beer Store Closures Happening?
Here are the 11 locations closing at the end of the day on July 6:
- Toronto: 609 Roehampton Ave. and 1580 Avenue Rd.
- Oakville: 104 Lakeshore Rd. W. and 1011 Upper Middle Rd.
- Windsor: 790 Goyeau St. and 1780 College Ave.
- Aurora: 14800 Yonge St.
- Coboconk: 6716 Hwy. 35
- Cornwall: 1396 2nd St. E.
- Richmond Hill: 13469 Yonge St.
- Wiarton: 690 Berford St.
Union: Closures Will Impact Prices and Returns
According to John Nock, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 12R24, the closures will hurt not only product variety but also the stable pricing The Beer Store is known for.
“Prices will continue to rise as Beer Stores close,” Nock warned. “These locations keep prices competitive.”
He also criticized the Ontario government’s alcohol retail expansion, which now allows beer sales at grocery stores, gas stations, and big-box retailers—places that aren’t bound by standardized pricing or return policies.
What Happens to Bottle and Can Returns?
Many of the newly available retail outlets don’t accept empties, leaving customers frustrated.
“Why are we paying a deposit if we have nowhere to return empties to?” Nock asked.
Currently accepted return items include:
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- Beer, wine, and spirit bottles
- Aluminum cans
- Plastic bottles
- Tetra packs
- Kegs
While The Beer Store processes 1.6 billion returns per year, those in areas affected by closures will have to find alternate drop-off locations. The province plans to require grocery stores to take empties starting Jan. 1, 2026, but only if they’re more than five kilometers from a Beer Store.
What’s Behind the Closures?
Ozzie Ahmed, president of retail at The Beer Store, said the decision comes down to modernizing operations to stay sustainable.
“We know this will be disappointing,” Ahmed said, “but it reflects our commitment to evolving with the market.”
Still, the closures hint at larger shifts in how Ontarians buy beer—more competition, changing consumer habits, and the erosion of what was once a near-monopoly on beer sales.
Want to Help? Donate Your Empties
If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider donating your empties to local bottle drives. Many Rotary clubs, sports teams, and nonprofits run collection events to raise funds for community programs.
Do you think allowing beer sales in convenience stores is worth the trade-off of losing local Beer Store locations? Why or why not?
More…
- https://www.toronto.com/news/beer-store-closures-ontario/article_20857199-426a-5a63-af76-9b4a657a6f8f.html
- https://www.insauga.com/closure-11-more-beer-stores-are-closing-all-over-ontario
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/the-beer-store-is-closing-more-stores-across-ontario-heres-when-and-where
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/the-beer-store-announces-closures-in-southern-ontario
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