Sask. brewer fights Alberta markup

SASKATOON — A Saskatchewan beer producer is taking Alberta to court over its new beer markup policy. Saskatoon-based Great Western Brewing Company has filed a court challenge, arguing Alberta’s new rules violate constitutional protections on trade freedoms between provinces. Great Western said there has been a noticeable impact on sales in Alberta since the new mark-up was introduced in the summer. Alberta has raised the mark-up from a sliding scale that favoured Alberta and other prairie producers to a flat rate across the board. But small-sized Alberta brewers are eligible for rebates to offset the hike.