Local brewers demand fair treatment
B.C. craft brewers say the provincial system is stacked against them. The BC Craft Brewers Guild recently launched a campaign demanding the province end subsidies for large multinational breweries. The group argues that $9 million in rebates currently benefits major corporations, while local producers struggle to survive under rising costs and falling margins.
Community voices growing louder
Gary Lindsay, owner of Driftwood Brewery in Victoria, says many small brewers are “at the breaking point.” He explains that small businesses cannot simply raise prices without losing customers to larger competitors. That makes the subsidy even harder to swallow. According to Lindsay, “Consumers shift buying power quickly, and smaller breweries can’t compete when government policy already gives big players a boost.”
Supporters of the guild’s campaign say removing subsidies could create a level playing field. They argue the move would allow small brewers to grow while keeping their products affordable. “It’s a way to make sustainability possible,” Lindsay added, stressing that breweries are not only businesses but also important community hubs.
Government review and policy questions
The BC Liquor Distribution Board (LDB) acknowledged the guild’s concerns in a recent statement. Officials confirmed that the province is committed to reviewing the beer markup system, which was last reformed in 2015. At that time, a graduated schedule was introduced to help smaller breweries. However, rebates were also introduced for the largest brewers that operate in the province, meant to reflect their economic contribution.
The government says work on reviewing the structure was paused to focus on U.S. tariff responses but will resume soon. Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham said she values local beer and sees craft breweries as “respected community partners.” She also noted that the sector faces added pressures from supply chain issues, competition, and reduced consumption.
Rising closures across B.C.
Despite reassurances, small breweries are closing at a concerning rate. According to the guild, 20 B.C. craft brewers have shut down this year alone. Industry leaders say the pace of closures reflects deep financial stress. Beyond producing beer, these businesses support local sports teams, arts groups, and community events. “Breweries are more than businesses,” Lindsay emphasized. “They are gathering places that help neighborhoods thrive.”
Call for community support
The guild is urging British Columbians to support local producers at tasting rooms, pubs, and stores. For many communities, breweries serve as social spaces as much as economic engines. Lindsay notes that their Esquimalt taproom and patio remain community gathering points, but survival depends on fairer rules. “When margins stay negative, planning for the future becomes almost impossible,” he said.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for more stories on B.C.’s evolving local industries.
