CLOSURE: Even more Beer Store locations shutting down in Ontario

The Beer Store has announced even more closures, bringing the total to 40 in the coming weeks.

The company announced Monday that it is shutting down nine stores on Aug. 24.

It adds to closures that are set to happen on July 6, July 20 and Aug. 10.

And earlier this month, on June 15, five retail locations closed.

A number of Beer Stores also shut down prior to these rounds of closures.

They come amid the expanded alcohol marketplace in Ontario.

READ MORE: Mixed reaction to numerous Beer Store closures in Ontario: poll

Last year, Ontario’s alcohol marketplace expanded greatly, allowing thousands of convenience stores, as well as additional grocery stores, to sell booze, except for spirits.

“Closing a retail store is never an easy decision — our stores and employees contribute to communities in many ways and provide easy access to empty returns throughout Ontario,” said Ozzie Ahmed, vice president of retail at The Beer Store.

“We are modernizing operations and focusing on what we do best, selling ice cold beer, great customer service and a world-leading recycling system that gets customers their deposit money back.”

Ahmed has previously cited the changing marketplace as the reason for closures.

Here is a look at the locations that are shutting down at the end of the business day on Aug. 24:

• Toronto — 772 The Queensway
• Toronto — 720 Spadina Avenue
• Scarborough — 1089 Kingston Road
• Richmond Hill — 8825 Yonge Street
• Bothwell — 160 Oak Street
• Blind River — 115 Causley Street
• Garson — 3098 Falconbridge Hwy.
• Manotick — 1160 Beaverwood Road
• Powassan — 760 Main Street
• Atikokan — 711 Mackenzie Street East