Jun 30, 2025
When The Beer Store first opened its doors almost a century ago, it was the go‑to source for suds in Ontario. But by mid‑2025, its monopoly is fizzling faster than a flat lager. On August 10, ten more outlets will close, bringing 2025’s total to well over 70 shutdowns, and there may be more to come.
These closures are part of a sweeping modernization triggered by the Ford government’s 2024 deal. In exchange for a $225 million payout, beer and wine began appearing on grocery and corner‑store shelves. The Beer Store agreed to maintain at least 300 locations through 2025, but once 2026 arrives, it can shutter as many stores as it wants.
Locations on the chopping block
The closures are rolling out in waves, hitting communities across southern and northern Ontario. Here’s a breakdown of the most recent rounds:
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- June 15 closures (4 stores): plus retail‑to‑warehouse conversion in Sault Ste. Marie
- July 6 closures (11 stores): key spots in Aurora, Toronto, Oakville, Windsor, Richmond Hill, Cornwall and Wiarton
- July 20 closures (10 stores): including Milton and Markham
- August 10 closures (10 stores): Amherstview, Cambridge, Iroquois Falls, three in Mississauga, Oakville, Scarborough, Tottenham and Vaughan
That track record adds up: 35 closures just this summer and spring, on top of earlier shutdowns, and more may follow after the exclusivity period ends.
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Why the shake‑up?
The Beer Store is responding to stiff competition, and change is drafty. Alcohol is flowing into supermarkets, corner stores, gas stations and big‑box retailers. That’s put pressure on standalone outlets. As VP of retail Ozzie Ahmed said in a statement, “Modernizing operations in a changing marketplace is never easy. We know this will be disappointing news for customers and employees.”
Still, TBS isn’t giving up on its signature strengths — cold beer, friendly service and a recycling program that processed 1.6 billion containers in 2024. Ahmed emphasised that employee support will remain a priority.
Union leaders see a different view. UFCW’s John Nock warned the closures could drive up beer prices. And he’s bracing for a wave of cutbacks: “I have no doubt they will… And in 2026 they can close how many they like. That scares me,” he told Global News.
What this means for beer lovers and budgets
For Ontarians who like to crack a cold one without cracking their budget, the closures could have a few ripple effects:
- Access and convenience: With local Beer Stores disappearing, residents may need to drive farther for picks — or start buying beer while doing their grocery run
- Recycling headaches? The Beer Store currently leads Ontario’s container‑return system. Its shrinking footprint could force consumers to make longer trips, or rely on grocery stores, which only start accepting empties in 2026
- Price pressure: The Beer Store’s uniform pricing has kept competition in check. Union reps suggest fewer outlets could mean higher costs, especially if grocery and big‑box stores don’t follow the same rigid pricing rules
Pint‑sized takeaway
If you live near one of the closing locations, think ahead. Find your new nearest Beer Store and update your beverage budget. And keep those empties in mind, especially as grocery‑store returns ramp up next year.
Finally, expect ongoing shifts in Ontario’s alcohol market. With more storefronts opening, there could be better deals, but also fewer recycling stops and less price stability.
Ontario’s beer scene is evolving faster than you can say “cheers.” Whether it’s good for consumers, employees or the environment depends on how the taps keep flowing, and at what cost.
Sources
1. Global News: New Beer Store locations set to be shuttered, union fears more closures will follow (June 24, 2025)
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
