The Beer Store begins to shutter some stores as convenience competition heats up [Video]

The Beer Store will continue with plans to close several of its locations across Ontario after it shuttered eight of its shops already.

The recent closure at 380 Donlands Ave. in East York marks one of the first closures in a series expected to follow throughout the year.

This decision comes shortly after the Ontario government’s move to expand the sale of alcohol to convenience stores and gas stations to make alcohol more accessible.

As part of a deal with the government, the privately owned chain was provided with up to $250 million in funding to ease the transition and avoid widespread job losses.

The Beer Store told Global News that no jobs will be lost at this location, as staff will be reassigned to other stores.

However, the closures will impact local communities who rely on the stores for services like bottle returns.