CLOSURE: 9 more Beer Stores are closing in July in Ontario

The Beer Store will close 9 retail locations across Ontario on July 20, 2025, as part of a broader plan to modernize operations and adapt to changes in the province’s alcohol retail market.

The closures will affect stores in cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Milton, Markham, Ajax, and more. The company says it remains committed to sustainability and its recycling program, which processes over 1.6 billion alcohol containers annually.

The impacted stores include locations in Ajax, Azilda, Levack, Markham, Milton, Ottawa, and Toronto:

• 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.

Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail at The Beer Store, said the decision was not taken lightly.

“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.”

TBS says it will make every effort to support affected employees and honour existing commitments and agreements. The company emphasized its appreciation for staff contributions and their role in the communities served.

Returns and Recycling to Continue

Despite the closures, The Beer Store remains committed to its long-standing container return program. Ontarians return approximately 1.6 billion alcohol containers each year through TBS locations and designated return depots.

Customers are encouraged to continue returning eligible containers—including beer, wine and spirits bottles, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, tetra packs, and kegs—to their nearest Beer Store or licensed return location.

As part of the ongoing modernization of Ontario’s alcohol retail system, all grocery stores selling alcohol will be required to accept empty returns beginning January 1, 2026, in line with the Early Implementation Agreement.