Beer Store shutting down more stores across Ontario

The Beer Store locations across the province are continuing to close their doors at a rapid rate, with several southern Ontario outlets among those preparing to shut down this fall on Sunday, Sept. 28. 

The recent bulk of closures represents another chapter in the chain's ongoing struggle to compete in the alcohol landscape, intensified by the province's move to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores. 

Come September, The Beer Store will be shuttering 11 locations across Ontario, including stores in Bala (3025 Hwy. #169), Brampton (10585 Bramalea Rd.), Clinton (30 Mill St.), Morrisburg (111 Main St.), Norwich (49 Stover St. S.), Red Lake (35 Birks Dr.), Rodney (167 Queen St.), Sharbot Lake (24585 Hwy. #7), South Porcupine (4145 Harold Ave.), Wawa (156 Mission Rd.), and Wingham (482 Josephine St.).

"The Beer Store is adapting to changes in the retail market in Ontario. This is an ongoing process and includes making the difficult decision to close some retail locations. We know this is difficult for customers, employees and the communities where we operate," said Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President Retail, TBS, regarding the upcoming closures. 

"As the Beer Store modernizes, we'll continue to be the best place for ice-cold beer, friendly customer service and a deposit return system that gets consumers their money back," Ahmed added. 

"The Beer Store recognizes the contributions our employees make to the business and in the communities where we operate. All efforts will be made to support employees through this process in alignment with commitments and agreements." 

Earlier this month, the beer retailer announced that it was going to shutter another 10 locations on Sept. 14, including two locations in Toronto. Affected stores in the city include those at 636 Greenwood Ave. and 4479 Kingston Rd.

Back in June, stores at 761 Queen St. W. and 1270 Woodbine Ave. closed, joining other shuttered locations in Toronto at Yonge and Dundas, Queens Quay, and Roncesvalles. The latest round of closures also affected cities in other parts of Ontario, such as Unionville, Burlington, Hamilton, Sioux Lookout, Deep River, and Northbrook. 

Despite the closures, the retailer continued to encourage customers to return their empties to the remaining locations or empty return dealers. All grocery stores that sell alcohol will also be required to accept the return of empties and refund customer deposits starting Jan. 1, 2026. 

The move is part of consumer retail alcohol modernization, found in the Early Implementation Agreement and provincial regulations.

Under a new deal with the provincial government, The Beer Store is set to operate at least 386 stores until July 2025, and at least 300 until the end of December 2025.