Local brewer stirs up controversy after opening pub

Paddock Wood, a local beer brewer, is facing a backlash after opening their own downtown pub, The Woods Alehouse.

The Yard & Flagon pub, in addition to several other businesses, have discontinued carrying Paddock Wood products citing that the brewer has positioned themselves as competition.

Below is a quote taken from The Yard & Flagon Facebook page.

Our aplologies to all the loyal Paddockwood drinkers. Our hope is that you continue to enjoy the Yard and can find another refreshing beverage to consume. A quick explanation. They went from distributor to competition. We didn’t ask them to sell our Jerk Chicken Burger and give us half the profit. Cheers to all. See you soon.

Paddock Wood issued the following statement on their own Facebook page on Saturday:

Paddock Wood would like to thank the many local bars that support us as a local craft brewery. We are saddened that a few bars have recently removed us from tap, but every bar can decide which beers to sell or not sell. We have not refused to sell product to these bars, and indeed such practice could jeopardize our license as a brewery. We believe the opening of our ale house will increase awareness and demand generally for craft beer. The Woods is merely an alternate space for enthusiasts to enjoy a different atmosphere, beers, music, and food. There is ample room for difference in this rapidly growing city.

The debacle has since spilled over into the social media realm, with local beer drinkers weighing in with their own opinions.

[View the story “Paddock Wood suffers beer backlash” on Storify]

Paddock Wood suffers beer backlash

Storified by · Tue, Sep 25 2012 06:46:08

Facebook fight!! Locals mad RE: @paddock_wood beer removed from Yard and Flagon https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Yard-Flagon-Pub/193476590702439 #yxe #localbusinessGinger Koolick

Really unimpressed to hear of Saskatoon bars boycotting paddockwood. More people going out downtown is good for everyone. #yxeKMcShane

At the Yard and Flagon for late lunch/early supper. No paddockwood and the lunch special just stopped. LameKayleigh Kazakoff

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds…