Canada, SK: Saskatchewan reducing beer tax to encourage small and medium-sized brewing

Saskatchewan’s government is reducing its beer tax hoping it will encourage local small and medium sized breweries to increase production, CTV News reported on May 31.

As part of the changes, mark up rates for many production levels will be reduced as production volume rises.

Alana Ross, minister for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority says increasing production is imperative to getting consumers to buy more Canadian products.

“Small and medium-sized breweries employ many people locally and are a source of pride for Saskatchewan and across Canada,” Ross said in a news release.

“Encouraging them to grow is particularly important in a time where consumers are increasingly interested in supporting Saskatchewan and Canadian businesses,” Ross added.

According to the province, the limit for the rates will be increased from 400,000 to 500,000 hectolitres.

The changes will take effect on July 1, the province says.