Matt Lockhart, Don Farion and Ken Beattie participated in meetings with the following ministries and presented our 2019 Guild government overview which outlines our plans for 2019 and how we can work together to accomplish our lobbying agenda. (BC Craft Brewers Guild General Government Presentation)
Please review these top-line recaps of our meetings from the week of February 4th.
Office of the Attorney General – Minister David Eby
Also in attendance: Doug Scott Associate Deputy Minister, Vince Cournoyer, Manager Liquor Policy, Dugald Smith Manager Liquor and Cannabis Policy, Galen Milne Ministerial Assistant, Blain Lawson CEO BCLDB. A separate meeting with Galen Milne and Derrick Harder, Minster Eby’s Assistants.
- Presented Guild government overview including implementation schedule for the declaration of volume for the new markup policy including contract manufacturing and worldwide production.
- Requested full commercial mark up rate ($1.08) for all contract manufacturers who do not possess a manufacturing license in any jurisdiction and act as shadow breweries.
- Requested continued participation in the rollout of the BTAP report and to directly participate in the upcoming consultation into Liquor Distribution review panel.
- Also discussed Special Occasion event policies, support for the immediate implementation of Ride-sharing program for BC as part of our social responsibility mandate.
Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch – Assistant Deputy Minister & General Manager Mary Sue Maloughney
Also in attendance: Vince Cournoyer, Manager Liquor Policy, and Teresa Kovacs, Executive Director LCRB.
- Mary Sue Maloughney is the newly appointed general manager of LCRB effective January 21, 2019.
- Introductory meeting to present our general overview of the Guild.
- Requested full commercial mark up rate ($1.08) for all contract manufacturers who do not possess a manufacturing license in any jurisdiction and act as shadow breweries.
- Requested continued participation in the rollout of the BTAP report and to directly participate in the upcoming consultation into Liquor Distribution review panel.
- Also in addition to this meeting, we have forwarded member concerns to Vince Cournoyer and Randy Brown; provincial manager Liquor Manufacturing compliance and enforcement to clarify:
- Special Event policies and regulations regarding enforcement and contravention policies at beer festivals
- Clarification on contract manufacturing as it pertains to tied house policy
- Social media policy and contravention
- Update on Inducement policy and enforcement. (Doug Scott)
Ministry of Agriculture – Deputy Minister James Mack, Solveig McLaren Marketing. Wes Shoemaker (in-person lunch with Ken)
- Presented an overview of the Guild and discussed specifically BuyBC program and the opportunity to increase BC grown agricultural inputs such as barley, hops and fruits and the potential to increase production and processing in BC.
- Offered a tour of Phillips Brewing and Malting for Minster Popham and staff to view the processing potential.
- Discussed prioritizing the long term strategic plan that this ministry had previously undertaken for us.
- Discussed current and future marketing opportunities and cost-sharing initiatives to include BC craft brewers in BuyBC programs.
- Discussed participation in Eat Drink Local month which could provide our members with an opportunity to partner with B.C.’s restaurants, chefs, farmers and producers.
Ministry of Finance – Kelly Sather, Executive Assistant to Minister Carole James
- Introductory meeting to present our general overview of the Guild
- Reviewed financial impact of craft beer on the BC economy and the potential impact an increase in shadow breweries could have on our growth across the province.
- This is the first time we have met with the finance ministry.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture – Lisa Beare (Meeting February 28)
- Introductory meeting to present our general overview of the Guild
- Review of BC Ale Trail, BC Ale Trail app, Community Festivals and Highway signage
- Role craft brewing industry plays in over 60 communities and its impact on BC culture.