Lək̓ʔəŋən [LEKWUNGEN] TERRITORY / VICTORIA, B.C. — BC Greens candidate for Juan de Fuca-Malahat, David Evans, announced the BC Greens plan to support B.C.’s brewing economy today at Sooke Oceanside Brewing.
“B.C. is home to Canada’s first brewpub, it’s home to some of the best craft brewing in the world, with Victoria being named one of the 15 best beer cities in the world by CNN,” said Evans. “But for too long, we have punished the local brewers who make the delicious beers and ciders we all enjoy.”
BC’s beer markup system penalizes small breweries as they grow, while giving the largest multinational beer companies more than $9 million in annual rebates. The BC Craft Brewers Guild has proposed revenue-neutral reforms that would put money back in the hands of small brewers to hire staff, raise wages, and keep their doors open, instead of paying into a markup system stacked in favour of multinational beer giants. But despite brewery closures across the province, the BC NDP has failed to act.
“As a small business owner, I know what it’s like when the rules are stacked against you,”said Evans. “Breweries are critical to B.C.’s economy,” said Evans. “More than 200 craft breweries support over 4500 jobs across the province, while around 85 cider producers turn BC-grown fruit into finished products, creating markets for local farmers. That’s why we’d implement the BC Craft Brewers Guild’s proposal and make it easier for local cideries to get their products on their shelves.”
The BC Craft Brewers Guild, representing over 200 craft breweries in nearly 80 communities across BC, applauds the BC Greens’ plan to support local breweries and cideries:
“We are thankful anytime a candidate expresses a desire to see the BC craft beer sector grow. Craft breweries and cideries are small, locally owned businesses that create jobs and give communities across British Columbia places to gather. They are also a growing part of BC’s agritourism story. Through the BC Ale Trail and the new BC Farm-Based Ale Trail, they connect visitors with local farms and producers in more than 60 communities. We appreciate candidates from all parties recognizing that contribution and putting forward our markup proposal, which is revenue-neutral. It is a fair and straightforward fix that will address current challenges and we are glad to see it become part of the conversation on how we ensure BC craft breweries can support thriving communities.”
The BC Greens will:
Implement the BC Craft Brewers Guild’s proposed revenue-neutral beer markup reforms, lowering rates for small breweries, introducing more gradual increases as they grow, and raising rates for the largest producers. The Guild estimates its proposal would save BC craft breweries $16.3 million annually to reinvest in their businesses and employees.
Review provincial liquor markup rates for cider to ensure fair treatment of small producers and continued support for cider made from BC grown fruit. Additionally, improve access to BC Liquor Stores by establishing dedicated craft cider sections to be featured alongside craft beer.
Click here to read our Breweries and Cideries policy brief.
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