The Beer Store has announced the closure of 12 additional locations across Ontario, including three stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These closures are set to take place by October 19, 2025, as the retailer continues its shift toward a more modern retail strategy amidst changes in provincial alcohol sales policy.
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GTA Locations Set to Close
As part of this latest round of shutdowns, the following Greater Toronto Area locations will permanently close their doors:
- 900A Don Mills Rd., Toronto
- 800 Gerrard St. E., Toronto
- 3078 Don Mills Rd., North York
Where Else Are The Beer Stores Closing?
Beyond the GTA, nine more stores in smaller Ontario communities are also slated for closure. These include:
Full List of Non-GTA Closures
- 882 Ward St., Bridgenorth
- 8647 Hwy. #60, Eganville
- 89 Main St. S., Forest
- 21 Ontario St. N., Grand Bend
- 398 King St. W., Harrow
- 53 Meredith St. E., Little Current
- 33 Argyle St., Markdale
- 142 David St. N., Noëlville
- 704 Main St., Sauble Beach
Why Are So Many Beer Stores Closing?
A Shift Toward Modernization
According to The Beer Store, these closures are part of a broader plan to modernize operations and adapt to changing customer habits. In a public statement, Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision:
“The Beer Store is modernizing to meet the changing marketplace and unfortunately this means making the hard decision to close retail locations. We know this is difficult news for customers and employees.”
Ahmed emphasized that despite the closures, the company remains committed to offering friendly customer service and maintaining its deposit return system for bottles and cans.
‘The Beer Store to Close 10 More Locations in Ontario, Including 5 in the GTA, Citing Tough Decision
Closures Tied to Province-Wide Alcohol Sales Expansion
The shutdown of these locations comes amid sweeping changes to Ontario’s alcohol retail landscape, spearheaded by Premier Doug Ford. Under a new agreement with The Beer Store, alcohol sales will be expanded to convenience and grocery stores across the province.
Key Points of the Ford Government Agreement:
- At least 386 Beer Stores must remain open through July 2025
- At least 300 stores must stay open until December 31, 2025
- Starting January 1, 2026, grocery stores selling alcohol will also be permitted to accept empty bottle returns
What This Means for Ontario Shoppers and Communities
While some Ontarians will appreciate the increased convenience of buying alcohol at grocery and corner stores, others—especially those in smaller towns—may feel the impact of losing a local Beer Store.
These closures mark yet another chapter in Ontario’s evolving alcohol retail system, reshaping how and where residents can shop for beer while raising questions about the future of The Beer Store as a retail institution.