The Beer Store to Close 12 More Locations in Ontario by October

The Beer Store has announced the closure of 12 more locations across Ontario, marking the latest round of shut-downs following the province’s expanding alcohol retail market. Set to close by October 19, 2025, these store closures will affect communities across Ontario, including several in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Impact on Ontario’s Retail Landscape

The closures come at a time when the Ontario government is expanding alcohol sales beyond traditional liquor stores, allowing convenience stores and grocery chains to sell beer, wine, and spirits. This shift in retail has significantly altered how alcohol is purchased in the province. The Beer Store, which has long held a monopoly on beer sales, is now facing increasing competition from these new outlets.

According to Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail at The Beer Store, the company is modernizing its operations to meet the changing market demands. “The Beer Store is modernizing to meet the changing marketplace, and unfortunately, this means making the hard decision to close retail locations,” he explained in a press release.

The closures are part of the broader transition within the alcohol retail industry, but The Beer Store remains committed to continuing its deposit return program and offering a selection of beers for its customers, despite fewer locations.

Affected Locations Across Ontario

The closures will take effect at the end of the business day on October 19. The following locations will be affected:

• Toronto – 900A Don Mills Rd., Unit #100
• Toronto – 800 Gerrard St. E.
• North York – 3078 Don Mills Rd.
• Bridgenorth – 882 Ward St.
• Eganville – 8647 Hwy. #60
• Forest – 89 Main St. S.
• Grand Bend – 21 Ontario St. N.
• Harrow – 398 King St. W.
• Little Current – 53 Meredith St. E.
• Markdale – 33 Argyle St.
• Noëlville – 142 David St. N.
• Sauble Beach – 704 Main St.

While these closures may seem like a blow to local communities, especially those in smaller towns, The Beer Store’s decision is based on the changing market dynamics and its long-term strategy to stay competitive as the alcohol landscape shifts.

Local Communities React to the Closures

For many local residents, especially those in rural areas like Harrow and Grand Bend, the closure of The Beer Store locations is concerning. Harrow’s Mayor, Sherry Bondy, expressed disappointment over the store’s shutdown, particularly because of the loss of a trusted local business. “I’m devastated, especially for the employees,” said Bondy. “The Beer Store is a key part of our community and offers a better selection than what corner stores provide.”

The closure also raises questions about whether the expansion of alcohol sales to grocery stores and convenience outlets is taking into account the needs of communities that rely on The Beer Store’s more diverse selection of beer options.

What’s Next for The Beer Store and Ontario’s Alcohol Market?

In response to these closures, The Beer Store has worked with the Ontario government to implement a transition plan. This includes an agreement ensuring that a significant number of stores will remain open until at least December 31, 2025, and a program to make bottle returns available at grocery stores beginning in 2026. The Beer Store is also being supported with up to $225 million to help manage this transition, protect jobs, and ensure the continued availability of recycling and bottle returns.

For consumers, this means that while certain locations will be lost, others will remain open, and the services people rely on—like bottle returns—will continue. The government’s plan for grocery stores to accept bottle returns from 2026 onwards aims to provide more convenient options for Ontarians.

The Future of Alcohol Retail in Ontario

With increasing competition and changes in government policies, the retail environment in Ontario is evolving quickly. While The Beer Store is closing locations, it’s also adapting its business model to ensure it can still serve customers in a more diverse and competitive market. How this shift will affect the long-term future of The Beer Store and its operations is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: Ontario’s alcohol sales landscape is changing, and businesses will need to adjust accordingly.

More…

• https://www.cp24.com/news/2025/08/18/the-beer-store-is-closing-12-more-stores-in-ontario-heres-where
• https://www.insauga.com/closure-another-12-beer-store-closures-announced-in-ontario
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/10-more-beer-store-closures-announced-across-ontario-see-the-full-list