After much grumbling from craft brewers and beer drinkers alike, the government is introducing new measures aimed at making it easier for small local brewers to deliver their products to Ontario’s growing population of beer geeks.

Make it easier to buy beer: By May 2017, the government promises that beer will be sold in 150 urban grocery stores, eventually expanding to 450 grocery stores over the next decade.

Second site for small brewers: Small craft brewers have been lobbying for the government to ease-up on restrictions prohibiting the sale of their beer directly from on-site stores. Currently, small craft brewers can only have one on-site store, even if they have more than one brewery. Going forward, small brewers will be able to open a second store, which will make it easier for people to visit the brewery and pick up a growler on their way home.

Easier beer delivery: The government will make it legal for small-to-medium sized breweries to pool together with other like-breweries for delivery, and outsource to third-party carriers and warehouses. This is a big help for brewers who don’t have the resources to deliver long distances.

A more local Beer Store: The government is opening the doors to licensed Ontario breweries to become shareholders in the Beer Store, which has long been controlled by foreign breweries. A beer store ombudsman will ensure impartial oversight. The Beer Store will also have to give more shelf space and charge lower fees for small breweries.

The bad news for consumers: A new beer tax will kick in this November. The tax will increase the cost of beer three cents a litre each year until 2018, or about 25 cents a year on the cost of a 24-pack.

MORE ON THESTAR.COM

Province unveils $130B infrastructure push in Ontario budget

What the 2015 Ontario budget means for you

Breaking down the numbers of the Ontario budget