Beer Store to open two new Toronto locations

The Beer Store is set to open two new outlets in Toronto after a period of widespread closures across Ontario. One store will open on Kingston Road in Scarborough on June 22, followed by another on Don Mills Road in North York on June 29. The company says the new locations will help customers return empty alcohol containers for deposit refunds. Beer Store vicepresident of retail Ozzie Ahmed said the openings are meant to keep returns convenient for people across the province. The move comes after major changes to Ontario’s alcohol retail system. In 2024, the provincial government paid The Beer Store $225 million as part of a deal that allowed more grocery, convenience and big box stores to sell beer, wine and readytodrink beverages. The agreement also required the retailer to keep 300 stores open until the end of 2025 and to maintain access to empties returns.