Ontario’s craft brewers want their own beer stores

TORONTO – Ontario’s craft brewers want the right to open their own beer stores.

Ontario’s Craft Brewers Association wants its members to be allowed to open at least one offsite store each. Right now, they’re only allowed to sell their beer on brewery grounds or at Beer Store and LCBO sites. This move, according to the Ontario Craft Brewers, would create more than 1,000 jobs.

“We believe our share could double or triple in the next few years, as our access improves,” said Darren Smith, the president of Lake of Bays Brewing and vice-chair of Ontario Craft Brewers said in a press release.

Statistics Canada reported last year the market share owned by craft breweries increased to six per cent between 2004 and 2014, despite falling beer consumption.

Ontario is currently reviewing how beer and wine are sold in liquor stores. Finance Minister Charles Sousa has previously said the government is awaiting the results of a panel led by former TD Bank Chair Ed Clark about what to do with liquor sales in the province.

The Toronto Star revealed in March that part of those changes will include selling alcohol at large grocery stores. The Ministry of Finance hasn’t commented on any of the proposed changes but details are expected to be released in this year’s budget.

The ministry wouldn’t say Tuesday whether they would entertain the craft brewers’ proposal in the upcoming budget.

“Our government appointed the Premier’s Advisory Council on Government Assets to review all of our core assets including the beer distribution system in Ontario,” the statement read.

The ministry went on to say that Clark’s panel has yet to submit its proposal and is “actively consulting” with all parties including Ontario Craft Brewers.

”We have however, been open about our concerns around the issue of fairness surrounding the beer distribution system in Ontario. We believe there is an opportunity to improve customer convenience and ensure there is a wide range of brands available to Ontarians.”

Ontario’s craft brewers association suggests this change would primarily benefit large brands at the expense of smaller breweries.

The National Brewers, which represents large breweries such as Molson and Labbatt, refused to comment on the story.