Ontario’s alcohol retail landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, and The Beer Store is feeling the impact. As part of its ongoing downsizing plan, 10 more Beer Store locations will close their doors permanently this Sunday, marking another wave of shutdowns as the province continues to expand alcohol sales in grocery and convenience stores.
Why Are Beer Stores Closing in Ontario?
The closures are part of a wider shift in Ontario’s alcohol marketplace. In 2024, the provincial government announced expanded retail options, allowing more grocery stores, big-box retailers, and convenience stores to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
This expansion has reduced customer reliance on The Beer Store, forcing the company to streamline its operations.
Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail at The Beer Store, explained:
“The retail market for beer is changing in Ontario and for The Beer Store that means making the difficult decision to close some retail locations. This is not an easy decision and not one we make lightly.”
Government Support for the Transition
To ease the transition, the Ontario government signed an agreement with The Beer Store worth up to $225 million. This funding is intended to:
- Protect jobs during the transition.
- Support the recycling and bottle return program.
- Ensure stable service while the marketplace evolves.
As part of the deal, at least 300 Beer Store locations will remain open until December 31, 2025.
Starting January 1, 2026, all grocery stores selling alcohol will also be required to accept empty bottles and cans and refund deposits, a responsibility currently handled primarily by The Beer Store.
10 Beer Stores Closing This Sunday
Here are the Ontario locations set to close at the end of the business day this Sunday:
- Toronto — 636 Greenwood Avenue
- Scarborough — 4479 Kingston Road
- Unionville — 4681 Hwy. #7
- Burlington — 2020 Appleby Line
- Hamilton — 229 Dundurn Street South
- Ridgetown — Erie Street South
- Northbrook — 12334 Hwy. #41
- Ottawa — 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard
- Deep River — 3322 5 Hwy. #17
- Sioux Lookout — 41 Front Street
More Closures Coming in Fall 2025
This weekend’s shutdowns won’t be the last. The Beer Store has already confirmed:
- 11 more locations will close on September 28, 2025.
- Additional closures are scheduled for October and November 2025.
These moves reflect an accelerating pace of change as more alcohol sales shift into mainstream retail outlets across the province.
What This Means for Ontarians
For consumers, the closures mean fewer standalone Beer Store locations but greater access to alcohol at convenience stores and supermarkets.
For employees, the provincial funding is meant to provide some stability, though job losses remain a significant concern as more stores shut down.
For recycling, Ontarians can expect to see bottle and can returns available at more retail outlets starting in 2026, making the process more accessible.
The closure of 10 more Beer Stores this weekend is part of a much larger transformation of Ontario’s alcohol retail system. While consumers may benefit from greater convenience, the decline of The Beer Store marks the end of an era in how Ontarians have traditionally purchased beer.
With more closures scheduled for September, October, and November 2025, Ontarians should prepare for continued changes in where and how they buy—and return—their beer.