Beer Store makes it possible for new craft brewers to keep taps flowing at summer festivals

TORONTO, May 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Left Field Brewery and other start-up craft brewers will be back in the line-up at beer festivals this summer thanks to a new sales process arranged by the Beer Store.

Left Field, which plans to open its own production facility in 2015, was recently informed that Ontario liquor laws would not allow it to pour its beer this summer at festivals and other events operating under a Special Occasion Permit (SOP).

The Toronto craft brewer, co-owned by husband and wife Mark and Mandie Murphy, were informed that SOP regulations blocked the sale of craft beer brewed under contract by a third-party brewery, unless those beer brands were sold at either the Beer Store or the LCBO. Left Field plans to participate in several beer festivals and special events this summer to help market their beer.

Soon after the problem was identified, the Beer Store developed a new sales process designed to facilitate the sale of contract brews like Left Field to special occasion permit events in a manner consistent with Ontario's Liquor Licence Act.

"We are huge supporters of all Ontario-based brewers including those in the rapidly growing craft beer business", said Beer Store President Ted Moroz."We also believe in the widest possible selection of beer brands for consumers, so in this case we were determined to find a solution that kept the taps flowing for our hard-working craft brewers," added Moroz. "Crafts who produce their products under contract are the start-ups, like Left Field Brewery, who need our support the most."

"This is great news for Left Field Brewery and other small contract breweries like us", said Mandie Murphy of Left Field Brewery."Festivals are the single best way for us to promote and sample our beers and this solution will allow us to stay in the game this summer."

Les Murray from Toronto's Festival of Beer added:"As this situation was brought to our attention, we reached out to our partners at the Beer Store. It was apparent from the get go that TBS was interested in finding a resolution. We greatly appreciate their short term solution that will preserve the integrity of our festival and other beer festivals this summer. We look forward to working with the government to develop a permanent solution."

The Beer Store will facilitate the sale of beer products produced by Left Field and other small contract brewers to beer festivals, such as Toronto's Festival of Beer, in a manner that is consistent with AGCO rules.The temporary fix for this summer's festival season will allow contract brewers, regulators and the government to develop a permanent, long-term solution.

SOURCE: The Beer Store

THE BEER STORE CONTACT: Jay Armitage, 416-645-8174 (o), 416-917-0489 (m), [email protected]; LEFT FIELD BREWERY CONTACT: Mandie Murphy, 647-402-3449; TORONTO'S FESTIVAL OF BEER CONTACT: Stephen Murdoch, Enterprise Canada, 289-241-3997