In London, Ontario, a former Beer Store is set to be transformed into a vibrant café and restaurant. The new establishment, named Lotus and Lime, will also feature the adjoining Lanoa Restaurant. This change comes as the original Beer Store location has been stripped down to its bare walls, making way for a dining space that can accommodate up to 120 guests.

Cintro, a restaurant recently recognized as one of Canada’s top 100, is behind this new venture. Co-owner Shauna Versloot expressed excitement about the move, stating, "We are thrilled. We are beyond excited, to say the least." Cintro has gained immense popularity, with no reservations available for the next two months and waitlists of up to 100 people each night.

Chef Joe Tran’s innovative Asian-fusion dishes have made Cintro a sought-after dining destination. The expansion to the former Beer Store location aims to meet the high demand for their culinary offerings.

As Ontario's Beer Stores close, many are being repurposed for new businesses. However, the recycling system that once managed the return of empty alcohol containers is facing challenges. The province has closed 86 Beer Store locations due to Premier Doug Ford's alcohol expansion plan, leaving grocery stores to handle the return of empties.

Currently, only 14 of the 70 grocery stores required to accept returns are doing so. Many grocery store owners are reluctant to take on this responsibility, citing concerns about the mess and potential pest issues. Gordon Dean, who operates five independent grocery stores, stated, "Dirty empties, whether they're cans or bottles, just don't belong in a grocery store, full stop."

Dean's stores are among the few complying with the province's requirements. Starting January 1, over 1,000 grocery stores licensed to sell beer and wine will be mandated to accept returns of bottles and cans. Dean noted that the presence of dirty containers has increased his pest control costs and raised concerns about hygiene in his stores.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) and the Canadian Retail Council have indicated that many grocery operators may choose to surrender their alcohol sales licenses rather than manage the return of empties. CFIG's vice-president of government relations, Gary Sands, described the situation as "a dog's breakfast," emphasizing the difficulties faced by grocers.

As the province pushes for more convenience in alcohol sales, the closure of Beer Stores continues to impact the recycling system. Sands warned that consumers may face reduced choices and convenience if grocery stores opt out of alcohol sales due to the burdens of handling empties.

Sebastian Prins, director of government relations for the Canada Retail Council, noted that many grocers are weighing the costs and complexities of continuing to sell alcohol. He expressed hope that the province would address these challenges before 2026, as the recycling system could face significant issues.

The Ontario Ministry of Finance has stated that only grocery stores over 4,000 square feet and more than five kilometers from a Beer Store are currently required to participate in the Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP). Beginning in 2026, all grocery stores will be required to join the program, while the Beer Store will continue to manage the ODRP until its contract with the province expires in 2031.