Saskatoon brewer gets temporary injunction in Alberta over beer markup

A Saskatchewan brewer has won a temporary injunction to not pay Alberta’s new flat rate markup on beer.

Saskatoon-based Great Western Brewing Co. will instead pay a reduced rate under an old sliding scale until both sides can air their full arguments in court next summer.

The head of the brewery, Michael Micovcin, says the $1.25 per litre flat rate imposed by the province in August contravenes free-trade rules and was having a significant impact on company sales.

Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci brought in the flat rate while also introducing a rebate program to help out small-scale provincial brewers.

Previously, Alberta brewers paid less on the markup, with a sliding scale starting as low as 10 cents a litre.

Brewers in Saskatchewan and B.C. got the same deal under the free trade New West Partnership Agreement.

Ceci has since issued a statement to 660 NEWS:

“I can’t comment on the specifics of the case, as it is before the courts, but we’re very proud of the jobs and opportunity the change to our beer policy is creating, which is supporting a more diversified economy and helping entrepreneurs succeed. Alberta continues to have the most-trade compliant policy in Canada and the most open liquor market with more than 7,000 beer products currently listed.”

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