Quidi Vidi Brewery hopeful province will consider tax relief for craft breweries
One of the province’s most popular breweries is taking a break this month, pausing taproom operations as it navigates what owners describe as a challenging landscape for craft beer.
Quidi Vidi Brewery has closed its taproom for the month of February. Co-owner Justin Fong says the temporary closure marks the first time the taproom has shut its doors since opening, calling it an unfamiliar and difficult step for the business.
Fong says pne of the biggest pressures comes from packaging. Craft breweries rely heavily on aluminum cans, often requiring tens of thousands each year. When the United States imposed a significant tariff on Canadian aluminum, it drove up costs and hit brewers particularly hard.
There has been some relief through federal adjustments to beer excise taxes, but that support is set to expire soon. Despite the challenges, Fong sees a silver lining. He says governments appear to be recognizing the important role craft breweries play in local economies, particularly when it comes to job creation and tourism.
Fong said provincial officials have promised to review the craft beer taxation model. Earlier this week Finance Minister Craig Pardy said any good government policy needs to be reviewed from time to time, but didn’t go into further details.
NTV News will have the full story on the Sunday Evening Newshour.