BUCK-A-BEER ? LOCAL BREWERS SAY NO WAY TO FORD PLAN
The owners for all four of PrescottRussell’s local craft breweries say they can’t afford to help Premier Doug Ford make good on his election campaign promise of a “buck-a-beer” plan for Ontario’s beer-lovers. Starting August 27, Ford plans to make good on his promise to lower the price of a can or bottle of beer from $1.25 to a dollar on LCBO shelves. Ontario’s breweries can choose whether or not they take part in Ford’s new pricing scheme and the Ontario’s craft breweries, including the four in Prescott-Russell. brewer is one of his main selling points, so his supply costs average 30 per cent more than brewers. He doubts any craft brewer can afford to go along with Ford’s plan, though the big commercial brewers might be able to manage. “It’s impossible for us to package water a hit from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20 per cent tariff on Canadian aluminum companies rushed to buy up as many cans when the new cans become available they will cost more and that will affect production costs. “A can itself costs 25 to 30 cents now, don’t know yet how much the price of a can The owners of Cassel Brewery in CasVankleek Hill were not able to return calls for comment by press time. But both did post opinions of the plan through social media. via Facebook. “Doing so would mean selling our delicious natural beer at a terrible loss. How can a business survive while selling “For the record, no, we will not be particiBrewery via Facebook. “It’s a nonsensical
Buck-a-beer plan
The Ford government will lower the minimum price for a bottle or can of beer to a dollar from the current $1.25, starting Aug. 27. The lower price doesn’t apply to draft beer served in bars and it does not include the bottle deposit. Breweries can choose if they want to government will not offer any financial compensation for companies which take part. Breweries may be eligible for “non-financial at LCBO outlets, advertising spots in the store magazine inserts, and other things. Ford claims his plan will increase competition in the beer market without affecting provincial revenues from beer and wine taxes. During the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the provincial government received about $589 million in alcohol taxes. that lowering the price of beer creates a greater risk of drunk driving, and also increases the risk of alcohol abuse among young people. “I think people in Ontario are mature interviews Aug. 7, “to know when they’ve