Beer Store to close Atikokan location

Atikokan's Beer Store is closing its doors.

The closure was one of 10 announced by the Beer Store on Monday, and the only one in northwestern Ontario. The closure will take effect on Aug. 24.

"They gave us no reason," Atikokan Mayor Rob Ferguson said Monday ."There's no communication from the Beer Store on the closure."

Ferguson said the store employs three people — two full-time and one part-time — and has been operating in the town for decades.

And while Atikokan does have a smaller LCBO and a corner store that sells alcoholic beverages, Fergusons said he's concerned they won't be able to meet demand.

"I don't know if the province has a plan going forward, how to deal with the deliveries to resorts, stores, restaurants, things like that," he said. "I'm hoping that the the province does have a plan with the LCBO to expand, because it's going to be an issue on the deliveries."

The next-closest Beer Store is 140 km away, he said.

"We don't want to lose jobs in town," he said. "We don't want to lose the convenience. And it is somewhat of a drawing card for the town of Atikokan."

"We have a lot of tourists, lot of campers, resorts and we've got a lot going on in Atikokan," Ferguson said. "Atikokan is picking up and there's going to be an increased demand."

"I'm really working at changing this decision and really disappointed in this decision. There's no consultation with the town on this, and we're going to do everything we can to to try to keep the Beer Store open."

Ferguson said he's contacted MPP Kevin Holland, and plans to contact the Beer Store for more information, as well.

CBC News also contacted the Beer Store, but did not receive a reply on Monday.

""Closing a retail store is never an easy decision - our stores and employees contribute to communities in many ways and provide easy access to empty returns throughout Ontario," Ozzie Ahmed, the Beer Store's vice-president of retail, said in a media release. "We are modernizing operations and focusing on what we do best, selling ice cold beer, great customer service and a world leading recycling system that gets customers their deposit money back."

"The Beer Store recognizes the contributions our employees make to the business. All efforts will be made to support employees through this process in alignment with commitments and agreements."

The store has announced the closure of 44 stores closing since April.