Today I had the pleasure of visiting Rick Dellows at the R&B brewery in East Van along with the Paddy Treavor of the Van East Beer Blog, Nigel Springthorpe and Conrad Gmoser from Brassneck Brewing but it wasn’t a social call, we were there for an announcement from NDP liquor policy critic MLA Maurine Karagianis.
The announcement, which I’m very pleased to pass on, is that the NDP have agreed with CAMRA BC that the noble Growler should not be subjected to the higher packaged beer rate and that if elected, they plan to re-classify growler fills reducing the tax burden on BC’s local craft breweries.
“This unfair tax on small business and a sustainable industry has to go,” said Maurine Karagianis. “When it comes to liquor policy, this government just doesn’t get it. Just weeks after a long-awaited announcement of a handful of liquor law changes, they are at it again, slipping through a tax that will make life harder for a growing industry.”
She went on to say: “Without a systematic approach, the growing craft beer industry is forced to operate in a completely unstable environment. just as one fire is put out, another one starts.”
While this is isn’t a victory for growlers and craft beer as such, it’s a big step in the right direction and at least the NDP are attempting to befriend the craft beer industry.
Brassneck Brewing are planning to be 100% growler initially and R&B are in the process of launching a growler program, showing that there’s plenty of demand in the community and the industry.
Our official statement released shortly afterwards:
CAMRA BC is very pleased that the NDP have listened to the responsible craft beer drinkers of the province and decided that Growler fills should not be subjected to the higher “packaged” beer mark-up. If elected we hope they move on this issue and some of the others CAMRA BC have outlined quickly. CAMRA BC would like to thank everyone who helped with the “Save the Growlers” campaign and every one of the almost 2000 people signed our petition. The NDP’s choice stands in contrast to the incumbent administration who have steadfastly refused to see reason on this issue.
A definite cause for celebration, but we’re not all the way there yet, the saga of the Growler in BC continues but they have picked up a powerful supporter…
Adam Chatburn, President, CAMRA BC – Vancouver Chapter.
March 27th 2013
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