"Les microbrasseries du Québec : figures de proue du développement local" - Excerpt from a brief presented by : Quebec Microbreweries Association

7
August 2023

is becoming increasingly urgent.


Brief presented to the Public Finance Committee on April 10, 2022. This issue is still slow to be resolved.




EXCERPT from the MEMORANDUM




"Another issue that microbreweries are grappling with is the possibility of selling their beers to take away at public markets. By public markets, we mean the 200 or so farmers' markets that operate throughout Quebec, providing a short circuit between producers and consumers. Spearheading local consumption, these public markets are a golden opportunity to discover local artisans.

Quebec's microbreweries would like to have the opportunity for this dialogue with consumers to sell their beers, but also to share the story behind the product and the know-how that surrounds it.

Under article 24.1 of the LSAQ, the holder of an artisanal production permit (other than beer) may sell the alcoholic beverages he manufactures on the premises where they are produced. Artisanal producers of wine, cider and other fruit-based spirits benefit from an RACJ directive that extends the place of manufacture and allows them to sell their products in public markets. Unfortunately, this directive does not apply to licensed brewers, or even craft brewers.

For many years, the Association des marchés publics has been expressing the desire of its members to be allowed to host microbreweries in their markets. In addition to being a key figure in local development, microbreweries bring a festive spirit to consumers and generate goodwill in markets. The AMBQ believes that in order to encourage local consumption, channels that enable short circuits between producers and consumers should be facilitated."

We therefore make the following recommendation: Enable Quebec microbreweries to benefit from provisions allowing them to sell their products as takeaways in public markets.