CLOSURE: Another 12 Beer Store closures announced in Ontario

The Beer Store has announced 12 new closures in Ontario.

The company said in a news release Monday that the closures will take effect on Oct. 19.

They will add to numerous stores that have already shut down amid the expanded alcohol marketplace in Ontario.

A number of other stores are set to close in the coming weeks as well.

The Ontario government expanded the sales of beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails to convenience stores and more grocery stores last year.

“Where we sell beer and collect empties in Ontario is changing,” said Ozzie Ahmed, the vice president of retail at The Beer Store.

“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.”

READ MORE: Here are 10 Beer Stores that permanently closed in Ontario recently

The government signed an agreement with The Beer Store providing up to $225 million to help the company make a stable transition, protect jobs and ensure the availability of bottle return and recycling.

Part of the new agreement includes keeping at least 300 stores open until Dec. 31.

The Beer Store said that starting Jan. 1, all grocery stores that sell alcohol will be required to accept empties and refund customer deposits.

These are the 12 locations that The Beer Store says will be closing at the end of the business day on Oct. 19: 

• Bridgenorth – 882 Ward Street
• Eganville – 8647 Hwy. #60
• Forest – 89 Main Street South
• Grand Bend – 21 Ontario Street North
• Harrow – 398 King Street West
• Little Current – 53 Meredith Street East
• Markdale – 33 Argyle Street
• Noëlville – 142 David Street North
• North York – 3078 Don Mills Road
• Sauble Beach – 704 Main Street
• Toronto – 900A Don Mills Road, Unit #100
• Toronto – 800 Gerrard Street East

— With files from The Canadian Press