Durham Distillery in Ajax has been forced to shut down its operations after receiving a sudden notice to vacate its facility on Mill Street. The distillery, which has become a beloved part of the community, claims that the Town of Ajax issued a 30-day notice in January 2026 to vacate the premises, disrupting their ability to comply with regulatory requirements for relocation. As a federally bonded distillery, moving operations requires extensive planning, approvals, and infrastructure changes, which the tight timeline made impossible. Despite attempts to engage in constructive discussions, the distillery and the town were unable to find a solution. The closure not only impacts the distillery but also affects local jobs, hospitality partners, and the broader community that supported the business. The town cited the distillery’s failure to meet expectations outlined when the lease was extended, leading to this unexpected and sudden shutdown.
