Manitobans who enjoy making wine and beer using home-brewing kits will soon be able to make them at local retail stores and take it home when it’s ready. This announcement was made by Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for liquor and gaming control.
“In our consultations on modernizing liquor laws, Manitoba consumers and businesses expressed interest in establishing in-store wine and beer making.” Minister Chomiak said.
In-store brewing involves a customer purchasing a home wine or beer making kit, and making that wine or beer in space and equipment provided by the store. The customer has access to the store’s expertise, and must be involved in the process before returning to bottle the product and taking it home. This type of value-added and convenient service is available in most other provinces.
Minister Chomiak said over the coming months, the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba will be undergoing a final round of consultations with businesses that currently sell home kits for wine and beer. This will include a review of the standards that would guide the service, which were developed based on best practices across Canada, he added.
The final regulations are expected to be in place by spring 2015, at which point eligible businesses would be able to apply for a special authorization from the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba, the minister said, adding all businesses offering the in-store brewing services would also be required to meet federal and municipal requirements, and would be subject to training and inspection processes.
The announcement complements recent provincial initiatives to enhance consumer choice including the addition of in-store craft beer growler beer bars at select Liquor Mart and beer vendor locations, the opening of a second bottle-and-cork wine service in Winnipeg, and the licensing of liquor service at spas and salons.
The change is made possible by the new Liquor and Gaming Control Act, which came into effect April 1, 2014 as part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing modernization of liquor laws that will offer businesses increased opportunities to respond to evolving consumer demands, eliminate red tape and improve public safety.
