BREW PUBS TO BENEFIT FROM REDUCED MARKUP RATES

Saskatchewan brew pubs are getting a break on the markup rate they pay to the government to sell their product, an initiative that will help these small local businesses expand and grow along with Saskatchewan's thriving economy.

Markup rates are dropping from $1.13 to 57 cents per litre for beer sold in kegs and from $1.65 to 90 cents for beer sold in bottles. With the change, the markup rate charged to brew pubs will now be the same as the rate charged to microbreweries.

"This change will put brew pub operators on an equal playing field with microbreweries when it comes to markup," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Dan D'Autremont said. "Eliminating this inconsistency will allow brew pubs to offer more favourable pricing for their products, making them more competitive and allowing them to expand as Saskatchewan's economy grows."

There are 25 brew pubs in Saskatchewan. Approximately 250 hectolitres (25,000 litres) of beer made by Saskatchewan brew pubs is sold to commercial permittees annually.

-30-

For more information, contact:

David Morris
Liquor and Gaming Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1721
Email: dmorris@slga.gov.sk.ca