The Beer Store Allows Local Craft Breweries to Co-Own Its Business

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The private Ontario retailer owned by three major foreign-based breweries, The Beer Store, has announced to open its ownership to Ontario craft brewers. Quite noticeably, the announcement was made in response to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s warning to curb the beer monopoly unless more money pours into the treasury.

CEO of Molson Coors Canada, Stewart Glendinning, mentioned in a press statement issued on Wednesday that “we heard from Ontario brewers that they wanted to participate in the management of The Beer Store and contribute to its future success. That’s why we’re opening up the system and making it even more transparent.” Whereas, President of Labatt Breweries Canada, Jan Craps, alleged that “The Beer Store is truly becoming Ontario-owned.” He added that “Ontario brewers will be represented on the board and share in decision-making. All owners will have the same or better costs to sell in The Beer Store than the current owners.”

Lastly, the third owner of The Beer Store, Sleeman, stated that the changes would “improve the transparency and openness of The Beer Store for all Ontario brewers … and will allow our input into the evolution of the system.” According to the announcement, the microbreweries can also buy into the company and those selling fewer than 1 million litres a year at will not have to pay listing fee to stock two of their brews at the five locations closest to their brewery.