In-Store Brewing

Yes, in-store brewing retailers must:

• meet federal excise requirements under the Excise Act (for beer) and the Excise Act, 2001 (for wine and high-alcohol beer). These federal acts establish requirements for the production, storage and packaging of beverage alcohol at in-store brewing facilities;
• comply with the LGA’s standards for in-store brewing facilities which are based on the federally-legislated requirements;
• comply with municipal zoning and food handling requirements;
• make sure the area where beer or wine is produced is not accessible to the general public;
• ensure the production area is age-controlled and that minors are monitored by an adult; and
• limit quality control taste testing to the person making the beer or wine and ensure the amount consumed does not exceed 120 ml of beer or 60 ml of wine.

 

Interested in-store brewing retailers must consult with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Regional Excise Duty Office to obtain information on how to ensure compliance with federal excise legislation and conditions. Contact information for the regional Excise Duty Office can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website.

No, federal regulations require the customer to “pitch the yeast” and bottle their own beer or wine. The retailer may provide guidance and advice on brewing kits and ingredients, supervise the fermentation process, and monitor quality control taste testing and bottling of the final product.

No. All beer or wine made at an in-store brewing retailer must be for a customer’s personal use and consumed in a private location offsite from the retailer. “Personal use” is defined as beer or wine that is produced and used by an individual, or shared with others. It does not include the sale or other commercial use of the beer or wine.

No. Beer or wine made at an in-store retailer cannot be served or sold at a social occasion permit event, including no-charge events such as a wedding or shower.

No. Minors may not make beer or wine and they cannot assist parents or guardians mix ingredients or bottle the finished product. Minors may be employed by an in-store brewing retailer, but must be supervised by an adult. Minors employed by an in-store brewing retailer are restricted from participating in any functions related to the making of beer or wine, and are limited to basic retail functions (e.g. customer service, cashier, stocking shelves, cleaning, etc.).