EDMONTON – The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) is making changes to its manufacturing policies.
The policy changes are:
- Eliminate the minimum production capacity requirements
- Expand the types of products that can be produced in Alberta
- Allow off-sale outlets to be operated at the location that best suits individual business needs
The AGLC says it’s making the changes after a policy review and consultation with stakeholders.
“To be really clear, the guidelines and the things that we got are already present in other provinces and around the world,” explained Greg Zeschuk, executive director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association. “It’s not like these are brand new things to the world; they’re brand new things to Alberta.”
“We appreciate the fact that our stakeholders took the time to talk to us about what was working and what needed improving,” said Bill Robinson, president and CEO of the AGLC. “Once the recommendations are fully implemented, we hope to see new operations, more selection for consumers and some new products being made right here in Alberta.”
“We’re pleased to respond with policies that are relevant to the industry and will create opportunities for further growth,” Robinson added.
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Zeschuk believes local breweries would benefit further from more support from the province, especially when it comes to marketing. He references programs taking place in British Columbia and Ontario.
“They actually have marketing programs, all kinds of things, promoting local beers. So, in fact there’s a mandate and a goal for those provinces,” he explained. “All our liquor stores are independent… we don’t get that benefit of actually having a provincial liquor store pushing products from that province.”
While he doesn’t expect a provincially-regulated liquor industry, Zeschuk thinks there are other ways to support breweries.
“Things that can help us are ways to actually get some marketing support for Alberta beer. We represent 12 breweries across the province. Most people don’t even realize there are that many.”
“We’re a little out alone here, but we’re hopeful that talking more to AGLC will work some things out.”
The AGLC says it will continue to work with stakeholders on implementing further recommendations.
“They’re recognizing the way the industry works,” said co-owner of Alley Kat Brewery Neil Herbst, “and there are some more proposals in the works there that I think that if they move on there, Alberta could certainly be a much better place to have a small brewery.”
“It’ll make it easier for smaller start-ups to get into the industry…I think that the more small brewers there are in the province, the more craft beer will be consumed in the province.”
The AGLC says the three-phase liquor manufacturing policy review – which started in the fall of 2012 – is designed to ensure Alberta’s privatized liquor model provides business opportunities and choices for consumers.
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