PENTICTON – The Minister of National Revenue was in Penticton Friday, announcing a change to federal legislation that was enacted eight months ago.
Like it did previously for wine sales, the government has removed federal restrictions on the direct sale to customers of beer and spirits across provincial boundaries.
“The good news is updating the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act has the potential to create a whole, new market for hundreds of local micro-breweries and small distilleries across the country,” says Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
But while the feds have ditched their restrictions, provincial legislation everywhere, except B.C. and Manitoba, still outlaws direct to consumer sales of alcoholic beverages across their boundaries.
That has the owner Cannery Brewing in Penticton wondering what impact the change to federal legislation will have on her business.
“It remains to be seen what the impact will be. But certainly it’s something i think people coming here in the summer season will be interested in. Whether that impacts into (sales) numbers that are trackable, I’m not sure,” says Patt Dyck.
Two more provinces, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, are expected to soon lift their restrictions on direct to consumer shipping of alcohol products across their borders.
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