Brewmaster says Sask. craft beer rules need new recipe

A Regina craft brewing company is hoping changes to the province's liquor laws happen fast to accommodate changes to the beer industry.

Results of government's craft liquor review due this fall

Micki Cowan CBC News Posted: Sep 30, 2015 3:13 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 30, 2015

Mark Heise with Rebellion Brewing is hoping he'll soon be able to sell beer at retail stores in refillable growler containers. (Micki Cowan/CBC)

A Regina craft beer maker wantsthe province tobrew up some modernized liquor laws.

Brewmaster Mark Heise with Rebellion Brewery saidthe current rules and processes were built to support the big industrial beer makers and not the relatively new craft alcohol scene. Rebellion Brewery opened last November.

Now, the industry is headed in a different direction, and Heise saidthat means the laws need to play catch up.

"I think historically Saskatchewan's always been, or at least had the stigma of being, a bit behind the times," Heise said. "They're definitely trying to catch up. We're trying to help push that and speed things up a little bit."

Something to growl about

Heise said he wants some major changes around growlers, the refillable containers that many craft brewers use to sell their product.

Craft breweries like Rebellion Brewing in Regina are often selling their beer in refillable containers called growlers. (Micki Cowan/CBC)

He said right now, the company can't sell its growlers at retail stores in Saskatchewan. In provinces includingManitoba and Alberta, customers can refill growlers at some private and government-owned liquor stores.

The company also wants to be able to deliver its product to stores directly. Heise says that way it can ensure the beer stays cold and at the highest quality. Craft beer is often missing additives that industrial beers have added, to increase the shelf life, so Heisesaida refrigeratedbeer is key.

Craft alcohol rules under review

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is currently reviewing the sale of growlers and other elements of the craft alcohol industry, but those results won't be released until later this fall.

Spokesperson David Morris said the authority recognizes a need to review policy.

The craft alcohol industry in Saskatchewan has undergone tremendous growth in recent years.- David Morris,SLGA

"The craft alcohol industry in Saskatchewan has undergone tremendous growth in recent years," said Morris.

"Really what the review is doing is making sure that the policies that the SLGA has in place are supportive of the industry, while also balancing the concerns other stakeholders might have as well."

Heise said it's good the government is looking into changes, but in the meantime he's stuck with the current rules.

"We would just kind of like to get on with it and start selling more beer to people asking for it around the province," Heise said.