Article content continued

And now, as expected, it’s worked. Muskoka Brewery has pulled out of the province despite “remarkable customer support and sales momentum in these markets,” and a “growing demand for our beers.” Albertans were drinking Muskoka, enjoying the option of purchasing those craft beers.

Hiking the markup on out-of-province craft beer doesn’t just negatively impact small breweries, it means higher prices for Alberta consumers in the short-term, and less selection on Alberta shelves in the longer-term (though the first casualty only took three weeks). Limiting selection doesn’t only impact consumers — Alberta’s liquor retailing small businesses will suffer the loss of those craft beers as well.

Other craft breweries have expressed concern over the increased markup, including Scotland’s Innis & Gunn, which saw an increase of 24 cents per bottle, and Toronto’s Steam Whistle Brewery, which increased by $3.01 per case.

Artisan brewers in smaller Canadian centres — such as Yukon Brewing, which only employs a dozen or so staff year-round — have been hit hard as well, as they rely more heavily on exports in Yukon’s case mainly to Alberta and B.C.

On Tuesday, Alberta Small Import Agencies, which represents about 20 businesses, called for the government to reverse the policy. The group said 77 per cent of the 3,455 beers those businesses bring into the province are now more expensive. Gulp.

In Alberta, we value the choice, selection and price advantages that come from privatized liquor sales. This policy reduces those advantages, and that’s a shame for Albertans, especially those who enjoy tasting neat craft beers and supporting small breweries across Canada and abroad.

Lowering beer taxes and markups across the board would have been the best way to support small brewers. Instead, the NDP craft brew tax hike is a major hiccup in our access to beers in the province. Thanks for the buzz kill, government.

Paige MacPherson is Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.