Why are Ontario beer stores closing and where will all the empties go?

On Monday, The Beer Store announced it will be closing a dozen of its Ontario locations in two months’ time, on Oct. 19. It’s not the first such announcement from the retailer. Here’s what to know.

What locations are closing?

The 12 locations include two in Toronto and one in nearby North York, but also smaller communities. Towns that will see a Beer Store close include Bridgenorth, Eganville, Forest, Grand Bend, Harrow, Little Current, Markdale, Noëlville and Sauble Beach.

What will this mean for residents?

While Torontonians can easily pivot to another location, small-town residents may face more inconvenience.

Residents of Little Current on Manitoulin Island will have to travel 40 kilometres to Espanola for the nearest Beer Store after the closure, while those in Noelville, near