Ancaster's only Beer Store outlet to close next month

Ancaster's only Beer Store outlet will run dry next month.

Ozzie Ahmed, vice-president of retail for The Beer Store and Brewers Distributor Ltd., confirmed in an emailed statement Oct. 19 the Beer Store outlet at 44 Wilson St. W. will close on Nov. 14.

A sign notifying customers of the closure has also been posted in the store window.

Impacted employees have been offered job opportunities at other Beer Store locations in the area, the company said.

We appreciate that this location closure will impact some customers," Ahmed said in the statement. There are multiple Beer Store locations across Hamilton where customers can purchase our products and return their empties."

The company did not immediately provide an explanation for the closure decision.

Ahmed added the Beer Store is aware of customer concerns about product availability and returning empties.

Ahmed said the Beer Store is proud of its award-winning returns program, including the recent milestone of processing more than three billion containers for recycling and reuse, keeping materials out of landfill.

We have a deep commitment to our recycling program," Ahmed added.

Following the closure of the Ancaster location, the three closest locations to Ancaster will be 584 Mohawk Rd. W., 55 Cootes Dr. in Dundas and 1408 Upper James St.

Ahmed noted all three locations are open for product purchases, empty container returns and in-store pickup. The Dundas location also offers delivery.

Ancaster resident Carl Fiamelli questioned why the Beer Store would force customers to drive to another community. Although multiple supermarkets in the area also sell suds, Fiamelli noted product offerings are typically limited to six-packs and most competitors don't offer the same selection as the Beer Store.

I would like to say that given our climate change emergency, I think it's a poor decision to force residents to drive extensive distances just to pick up a regular case of beer," Fiamelli said. I think it would have been a more conscientious decision to find another location, maybe a more modern location, before they close that location. They seem to have put the cart before the horse."

The Beer Store urges customers to visit thebeerstore.ca or download the Beer Store mobile app for more information on locations, products and empty returns.