Quebec microbrewers welcome change in law requiring stamps

Quebec microbreweries are welcoming a new provincial law that no longer requires duty stamps on cans.

Change is brewing for microbreweries in the province, and it could save the businesses valuable time and money.

“Every little gain and efficiency that we can get will help,” said Shawn Duriez in response to Quebec’s Bill 85 (An Act to amend various provisions for the main purpose of reducing regulatory and administrative burden).

The co-founder of Avant-Garde microbrewery has been frustrated with a policy that has required duty stamps be placed on all beer sold in bars and restaurants since 1971.

“The reason there was a stamp historically is there was different taxation for the products that were sold in bars and restaurants, whereas in depanneurs and groceries the taxes were less,” he said. “It’s [remained] mandatory even though there’s no real difference between the sales or taxation anymore.”

Duriez and other microbrewery owners have been calling for change to the law for years.

Bill 85 aims to reduce regulatory burdens on retailers. For microbreweries it could mean no longer having to waste resources on stamping beer.

The government’s point person on the bill, Christopher Skeete says he’s glad to be changing what he calls a “brutal” rule.

“People find that their stamp falls off and then of course, they end up in court having to pay fines, so it’s been an irritation for the sector,” the Quebec minister said.

Those fines can be anywhere from $500 to $7,500.

While the change is great for microbreweries, the Quebec Restaurant Association wants more.

Martin Vézina, a vice-president of public affairs at the association told CTV News that they “welcome the first step to go ahead with the microbrewers at first, but afterwards we will like to see it disappear from also from wines and spirits.”

Until then, the bill is a small victory for local beer producers in a big industry.

With reporting from CTV News journalist Daniel J. Rowe.