The Beer Store, a cornerstone of Ontario’s alcohol retail landscape, has announced the closure of nine additional retail locations effective July 20, 2025, as part of a wider effort to modernize its operations and adapt to significant changes in the province’s alcohol retail system.
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The closures span several communities across Ontario, including Toronto, Ottawa, Milton, Markham, Ajax, Azilda, and Levack. This move is a continuation of The Beer Store’s broader transition strategy to align with evolving consumer behaviors and policy changes in Ontario’s liquor distribution framework.
Affected Locations:
Here are the nine Beer Store locations set to close on July 20, 2025:
- Ajax – 1953 Ravenscroft Rd.
- Azilda – 93 Notre Dame St. E.
- Levack – 3rd Ave. & Main St.
- Markham – 5804 Hwy 7
- Milton – 51 Millside Dr.
- Milton – 1015 Bronte St. S.
- Ottawa – 900 Bank St.
- Toronto (East York) – 89 Laird Dr., Unit 1
- Toronto (Distillery District) – 41 Mill St.
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Leadership Speaks Out on Closures
Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail at The Beer Store, acknowledged the gravity of the decision.
“The Beer Store is making the difficult decision to close these locations. We will continue our focus on sustainability and recycling as we modernize operations in a changing marketplace,” said Ahmed. “I understand this will be disappointing news to customers and employees. The Beer Store is committed to treating employees with respect and supporting them during this transition.”
The company reiterated its appreciation for the contributions of its frontline staff and their role in serving local communities. It has pledged to support all impacted employees through the closure process by honoring existing labor agreements and offering transitional assistance where applicable.
Commitment to Sustainability and Recycling
Despite the closures, The Beer Store remains firmly committed to its environmental stewardship—especially its industry-leading recycling program. The company currently processes over 1.6 billion alcohol containers annually through its province-wide container return system.
This system accepts a wide array of recyclable alcohol packaging, including:
- Glass bottles (beer, wine, spirits)
- Aluminum cans
- Plastic bottles
- Tetra packs
- Kegs
Customers are encouraged to continue returning their empty containers to any remaining Beer Store location or authorized return depot.
New Recycling Responsibilities for Grocery Stores by 2026
In response to changes in Ontario’s retail alcohol framework, beginning January 1, 2026, all grocery stores that sell alcohol will be legally required to accept empty container returns. This policy shift comes as part of the Early Implementation Agreement, intended to make alcohol sales and recycling more accessible and consistent throughout the province.
This marks a significant evolution in how Ontario handles alcohol container recycling, broadening the return infrastructure beyond The Beer Store’s traditional model and integrating it more closely with everyday grocery shopping routines.
What’s Driving the Closures?
The decision to close these locations stems from a combination of factors:
- The gradual liberalization of Ontario’s alcohol market, allowing more private retailers, including big box and grocery chains, to sell alcohol.
- Changing consumer purchasing habits, such as increasing reliance on online ordering and a preference for one-stop shopping experiences.
- The company’s desire to modernize infrastructure and operations for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The Beer Store has emphasized that these closures are not a withdrawal from communities but rather a strategic realignment. Future operations will focus on enhancing customer service and expanding environmentally friendly practices, while adapting to regulatory shifts and market realities.
Conclusion
As Ontario’s alcohol retail sector undergoes a major transformation, The Beer Store’s decision to close these nine stores signals both a retreat from some locations and a commitment to progress. Through continued investment in sustainability and new collaborative frameworks with retailers, The Beer Store aims to maintain its relevance and positive environmental impact in a changing marketplace.
Customers affected by the closures are encouraged to use nearby Beer Store locations or prepare for the upcoming expansion of return options at grocery retailers beginning in 2026.
For the most up-to-date information on locations and recycling programs, visit www.thebeerstore.ca.