As Ontario’s beer landscape shifts dramatically, it looks like consumers will see more Beer Store locations permanently closing their doors, with the company now confirming that over 160 stores will cease operations by next summer.
Walking through the familiar blue-and-white storefronts might soon become a nostalgic memory for many Ontarians. The Beer Store announced this week that approximately one-third of its retail footprint will disappear across the province as part of a significant restructuring plan that coincides with the Ford government’s continued expansion of alcohol sales into convenience stores and grocery outlets.
“This is unquestionably the most significant change to alcohol retail in Ontario since the end of prohibition,” said Roy Benin, President of The Beer Store, in a statement addressing the closures. “We’ve spent considerable time evaluating our entire network to determine which locations remain viable in this new market reality.”
The company has identified 163 locations slated for closure between now and the summer of 2025, representing a substantial reduction from its current network of approximately 450 stores. Industry analysts suggest this retreat reflects both the changing retail landscape and consumer purchasing patterns that have evolved dramatically since the pandemic.
Walking through Kitchener’s Beer Store on Weber Street, long-time customer James Morrison shook his head while returning his empties. “I’ve been coming to this same location for almost 20 years. The staff knows me, I know where everything is. Convenience stores might be closer, but it won’t be the same experience.”
The Beer Store has operated under a unique ownership model as a cooperative venture primarily owned by major brewers Molson Coors, Labatt (owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev), and Sleeman (owned by Sapporo). This structure has faced increasing scrutiny and competitive pressure as Premier Doug Ford’s government implemented its promise to expand alcohol availability throughout the province.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy defended the government’s approach during a press conference at Queen’s Park last month, stating: “Ontarians deserve more choice and convenience when purchasing alcohol. Our government is committed to creating opportunities for small businesses while ensuring responsible sales.”
The Beer Store has historically managed Ontario’s bottle return program, which raises questions about how the container recycling system will adapt after these significant closures. The company collects approximately 1.6 billion alcohol containers annually, achieving a remarkable 91% return rate according to their environmental reports.
Environmental groups have expressed concern about potential impacts on recycling rates. The Ontario Waste Management Association notes that without convenient return locations, some consumers might simply discard bottles in regular garbage or blue box programs that aren’t optimized for alcohol container processing.
“The Beer Store’s deposit return system has been incredibly successful at keeping containers out of landfills,” explained environmental policy expert Diane Saxe, former Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. “Any transition needs to maintain these high recycling standards, or we’ll see a significant environmental setback.”
For communities losing their only Beer Store location, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, the impact extends beyond convenience. These stores have provided stable employment for generations of workers, many represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers union.
UFCW Local 12R24 President John Nock released a statement expressing disappointment: “These closures will affect hundreds of good-paying jobs across Ontario. While some employees may transfer to remaining locations, many communities will lose these employment opportunities permanently.”
The Canadian retail alcohol market continues to evolve rapidly. According to a 2023 report from the Retail Council of Canada, Ontario has lagged behind other provinces in retail alcohol modernization. British Columbia and Alberta have long permitted wider retail availability, while Quebec has allowed beer and wine sales in convenience stores for decades.
Beer Store spokesperson Bill Walker indicated the company plans to invest in upgrading its remaining locations. “We’re focusing resources on stores with the strongest customer base and operational efficiency. Those remaining stores will see improvements to enhance the shopping experience.”
