Tottenham Beer Store among 100 locations closing

You’ll have to get your suds somewhere else if you want to buy beer in Tottenham, Ont.

The Tottenham Beer store has been closed as part of the Beer Store’s shut-down of more than 100 locations across the province. The store’s final open day was on Aug. 10.

There are more closures due to be completed in September as the axe falls on the beer retailer’s stores.  

A main reason for the closures is the province’s decision to allow beer and other alcohol products to be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Many people chose to purchase beer at the same time they were buying groceries and save the extra trip.

READ: Ford urged by small alcohol makers, retailers to block store-brand alcohol (report)

However, some analysts are saying the Beer Store has been in decline for quite some time, and it simply hasn’t kept up with the times.  

They note the Beer Store sells only one product, and that doesn’t make for much of a shopping experience. They also note that the Beer Store does not seem to be making any changes to prepare for going forward.  

Many regulars at the Tottenham store knew the staff and if you were a regular visitor, they were easily approachable and likely knew your beer order before you asked for it.

Customers now have the dilemma of where to return empties.  

Grocery stores that sell beer and alcohol will be required to take back empty cans and bottles starting next January.  

READ: Ontario’s small grocers push back on recycling requirements to sell alcohol

That will be very difficult for many establishments. Grocery stores sell food and must maintain a clean and safe environment to keep the food chain safe.  

Many store owners say taking in empties will compromise store cleanliness. They would have to create a separate operation to take in and store empty cans and bottles.  

Locally, you can still return empties at Beer Store locations in Alliston and Schomberg.