Beer Store prepares to open new outlets after steadily shuttering locations

The Beer Store is set to open two new locations in Toronto, marking a significant shift after a period of widespread outlet closures across Ontario. The move signals a new strategy for the alcohol retailer, which has been adapting to revamped alcohol resale laws.

The new stores are scheduled to open in June: one on Kingston Road in Scarborough on June 22, and another on Don Mills Road in North York on June 29. This expansion comes about six months after The Beer Store finalized an agreement with grocery chains to manage the collection of empty cans and bottles for deposit refunds.

Ozzie Ahmed, VP of retail at The Beer Store, expressed enthusiasm for the openings. "We’re excited to be opening stores and welcoming customers," he stated. "We know how important it is to make returning empties easy and convenient for people across Ontario." The new outlets aim to provide accessible points for customers to return their empty alcohol containers and receive their deposits back.

These openings stand in contrast to a trend of closures that affected both major cities like Toronto and London, as well as smaller communities. These closures were partly a consequence of a 2024 agreement with the Ontario government, which involved a $225 million payment to The Beer Store to permit wider alcohol sales in convenience and big-box stores. The agreement stipulated that The Beer Store mitigate job losses and maintain 300 stores until the end of 2025.

Following the full disbursement of government funds and the lifting of store number restrictions from January 1, 2026, The Beer Store's strategy evolved. The November agreement with grocers ensures that Beer Store locations will continue to serve as return points for empties, with grocers covering the costs and brewers guaranteeing recycling access within 10 km for most of the population. This arrangement facilitates the government's plan to expand alcohol sales while maintaining a convenient return system for consumers.

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This is great news for customers and those looking to return empty alcohol containers for a deposit refund. We’re excited to be opening stores and welcoming customers. We know how important it is to make returning empties easy and convenient for people across Ontario.