CLOSURE: More Beer Store locations set to shut down in Ontario

More locations of The Beer Store are set to shut down amid the expanded alcohol marketplace in Ontario.

The retailer said in a news release Wednesday that the closures will take effect at the end of the business day on June 15.

The following locations are set to close, according to the release:

• Toronto – 761 Queen Street West
• Toronto (East York) – 1270 Woodbine Avenue
• Woodbridge – 7676 Islington Avenue West
• Ottawa – 2144 Carling Avenue

TBS said a fifth store, located at 250 Bruce Street in Sault Ste. Marie, will end its retail operations and turn into a distribution warehouse.

“As the marketplace shifts, we must adapt our business model to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our customers,” said Ozzie Ahmed, the vice president of retail at The Beer Store.

“We are closely monitoring the performance of each store and at times may need to make the challenging decision to close select stores. While we acknowledge that closures can be disappointing for our loyal customers and the dedicated employees who work in these stores, every decision we make is rooted in our commitment to being a sustainable business and ensure we can continue serving customers for many years to come.”

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.

Several Beer Store locations have shut down since, with the union representing the store’s workers blaming it on the change.

The changes have expanded Ontario’s alcohol market well beyond the two main stores where consumers were previously able to purchase booze: The Beer Store and the LCBO.