August 7, 2015
First In-store Brewing Location Opens to Provide More Convenience for Brewing Enthusiasts: Minister Chomiak
Manitobans interested in making their own beer and wine can now do so with the convenience and ease of brewing their favourite beverages at local in-store brewing retailers, Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for the Liquor and Gaming Control Act, announced today.
“Changes to Manitoba’s liquor laws continue to result in positive impacts on local businesses in Manitoba,” said Minister Chomiak. “Our focus continues to be on providing new entrepreneurial opportunities while improving public safety as part of a modern, balanced regulatory framework.”
The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA) has issued its first in-store brewing authorization to Brewers Direct, located at 1400 Sargent Ave. in Winnipeg. Brewers Direct can now provide customers with the ingredients, instructional advice and equipment to produce homemade beer and wine directly at its retail location.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to expand our business,” said Giovanni Masi, manager, brew on premises, Brewers Direct. “In-store brewing allows us to reach out to a brand new customer base.”
The announcement complements recent provincial initiatives to enhance consumer choice including craft beer growler bars, licensing tasting rooms adjacent to local breweries, the licensing of liquor service at spas and salons, the removal of restrictive food to liquor ratios at restaurants, the introduction of a family-friendly option popular with rural hotels to allow their beverage rooms to operate as dining rooms until 9 p.m., and the extension of liquor service hours for major events such as the Juno Music Awards, Jets playoff games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In-store brewing facilities provide customers with the ingredients, instructional advice and equipment to produce wine and beer for off-site personal consumption in private locations. Customers purchase ingredients on site, mix their wine or beer, and leave it on the premises for fermentation. After a period of time, customers return to bottle their wine or beer and remove the product from the site.
Manitoba’s in-store brewing standards reflect the best practices across Canada, establish social responsibility requirements, and align with federal excise regulations. These standards require that all beer and wine produced at an in-store brewing retailer must be for a customer’s personal home use and cannot be served or sold at social occasion permit events or at licensed premises.
Minister Chomiak noted the changes to Manitoba’s liquor laws are made possible by the new Liquor and Gaming Control Act, which came into effect April 1, 2014.
For more information on in-store brewing, visit www.lgamanitoba.ca.
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