Update: After hearing concerns from many residents regarding beer crafted in Canada being taken off shelves, the Saskatchewan government has announced the sale and distribution of 54 Canadian-produced American brands will now resume. They also mentioned focusing on U.S.-produced alcohol like other provinces are doing.
REGINA - When the Saskatchewan government announced they were removing certain American liquor brands from shelves, many businesses believed it was for those crafted in the U.S.
However, for many store owners, including Anna Gardikiotis of Scarth St. Liquor, it came as a surprise when those drinks manufactured north of the border were also included on the list.
Some of these brands include popular beverages for Canadians.
In total, 54 American-branded products were taken off shelves. For Gardikiotis, these make up 25 per cent of the total liquor she sells. However, her other colleagues have mentioned they've lost upwards of 50 per cent of their stock from the policy change.
One concern Gardikiotis has with this is foot traffic. "[That] is the number one thing that keeps businesses afloat," she said.
By having customers come in, Gardikiotis said people will look at new brands and try out a different local style of beer.
Now, people may avoid liquor stores, knowing their favourite drink is no longer in stock.
Gardikiotis noted many businesses in the hospitality industry took a big hit from COVID-19. With this announcement, those who sell 50 per cent American beer could face revenue concerns with fewer people coming by.
While there is an opportunity for businesses to bring in more Canadian beer, Gardikiotis said that process can be difficult.
If a business were to buy liquor from out of province, they can select items from a private liquor system and make orders with a distributor.
But, if there are items not on a distributor's list, they become a special order. These could take over a year to receive because of the interprovincial barrier Canada currently has, said Gardikiotis.
From her perspective, Gardikiotis, understood that the government needed to act quickly in response to the U.S. tariffs, but she felt they may have overshot the decision.
Now that the policy is in place, she believes Sask. needs to listen to feedback and make corrections to it.
Gardikiotis, would be satisfied if Sask. took Canadian-brewed products off the list.
In her mind, anything that aligns with Canadian products or jobs should be something that the government is backing.
Beer organization calls for reversal of decision
Beer Canada, an organization that advocates on behalf of brewers and adult consumers, called on Premier Scott Moe to reverse the policy implementation.
In a statement, they said this decision affects businesses, farmers, workers and consumers.
Beer Canada called out the information the government put out, labelling beer brewed in Canada as 'American Beer,' stating it as an attack on Canadian values.
As Beer Canada mentioned, Sask. is the only province to remove beer brewed in Canada
Back in March, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced all American liquor would be removed from LCBO stores.
This included Jack Daniels and Maker's Mark.
However, products like Coors Light and Twisted Tea still remain in LCBO stores.
Beer Canada believes in taking a Team Canada approach, strengthening the economy during these uncertain times. They called on Sask. to give people the choice to choose their favourite Canadian-brewed beer.
