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The Great Western Brewery Co. experienced a 166 per cent increase in its markup under the rules, said a company news release.

“We look forward to a new beer markup structure that will be fair and equitable to all brewers,” said president and CEO Michael Brennan in a statement.

The court ruling follows ongoing disputes over changes the Alberta government put in place in late 2015, when it overhauled the beer markup system.

Initially, the $1.25 a litre markup was placed on beer with the exception of breweries in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta. But in summer 2016, that exemption ended, and Alberta brewers were eligible for a grant program instead.

Earlier this month, a trade panel found the grant “distorts the playing field and, as such, results in ‘less favourable treatment’ of beer produced in other provinces.”

The case was launched by Calgary-based Artisan Ales Consulting, which claimed the program cut into its beer import business by unfairly raising the cost of products brewed outside Alberta.

A three-member appeal panel agreed and concluded the grant wasn’t trade compliant May 29. Alberta was granted six months to change the program.

Tuesday’s court decision found the markup and grant were intended to operate simultaneously and created a trade barrier.

Ceci reiterated Wednesday that the government will revisit its small brewers development grant.

“We’re going to be taking our time,” he said.

“We have the most open liquor system of any province in this country,” he added. “We know that other provinces put barriers in place for our beer and alcohol getting in … with tasting panels and onerous application processes … and limited shelf space.”

UCP finance critic Drew Barnes chastised the NDP for what he called protectionist beer policies.

“The finance minister should spend less time at the pub and more time developing thoughtful policies that are in the interest of all Albertans,” he said in a statement.

cclancy@postmedia.com

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