Beer battle brewing between Saskatchewan and Alberta

A decision by Alberta's governmentto markup costs for beer makershas the Saskatchewan government unhappy.

Last week,Alberta liquor and gaming announced that as of Aug.5, there will bea standard beer mark-up of $1.25 per litre regardless of company size, location, or level of production.

Saskatchewan's Minister of Liquor and Gaming, Don McMorris, saidthat is a 200 per cent increase for a company like Saskatoon's Great Western.

"We're not happy with this at all," McMorris said."It is really, really unfortunate it's the only province moving in this direction."

The proposed change will also see grants provided to small, Alberta-based producers to help stimulate craft breweries.

"If they (Alberta) proceed with this measure, we will have to explore all our options, including potentially re-examining the mark-ups on Alberta beer and other liquor products sold in Saskatchewan," McMorris said.

Wall to speak with Notley

The province said the mark-up goes against the spirit of the New West Partnership.

Premier BradWall is expected to raise the issue onTuesdayinWhitehorsewith Alberta Premier RachelNotley.

"We should all be looking for ways to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers, not raising them.So we hope the Alberta government will reconsider this ill-conceived policy,"saidMcMorris.