EDMONTON – February 27, 2025 – Minister of Finance and Treasury Board President, the Honourable Nate Horner released Alberta’s Budget 2025 which includes proposed changes to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) beer markup structure to improve equity in the system. Beer Canada welcomes these changes that will focus its support program more directly to truly smaller scale craft brewers in Alberta and across Canada.
"Today's announcement is an encouraging first step toward implementing a more balanced and transparent beer fiscal framework for Canadian brewers operating or selling in Alberta," said CJ Hélie, President of Beer Canada.
Beer Canada's year-long advocacy campaign called for a fairer, more competitive alcohol product mark-up structure that recognizes the significant economic contributions of brewers, who contribute over $390 million to Alberta’s GDP annually.
As above all a beer producing province, Alberta’s beverage alcohol policies should prioritize lower-strength products like beer, encourage new entrants, recognize historical investments, and allow for growth and encourage investment in Alberta across beer’s value-added “grains-to-glass” supply chain.
Beer Canada thanks the Minister of Red Tape Reduction and Service Alberta, the Honourable Dale Nally, for leading a comprehensive engagement process that allowed the industry to provide our insights on behalf of Alberta’s brewers, our consumers and retail and hospitality business partners. We look forward to collaborating with the AGLC as these critical changes are implemented.
ABOUT BEER CANADA
Beer Canada is the sole national inclusive voice advocating on behalf of Canadian brewers of all sizes and regions and Canadian beer consumers.
Beer Canada’s member companies brew 90% of all beer consumed by Canadians annually. The production, distribution and sale of beer supports 149,000 Canadian jobs, generates $13.6 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $5.7 billion in government tax revenues.
Beer Canada promotes moderate and responsible consumption by those of the legal age and is the authoritative source for data & information on the Canadian beer industry.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What is Markup?
The AGLC imposes a product markup on liquor sold to licensees, collecting it on behalf of the government. These funds go to the General Revenue Fund to support programs and initiatives that benefit all Albertans. Liquor markup is applied as a flat rate per litre, varying by product type and alcohol content.
Tax Impact
Direct taxes and product mark-ups account for an estimated 38% of beer’s retail price in Alberta, with 72% going to the province (AGLC beer markup) and 28% to the federal government (federal excise duties and GST). Beer taxes and product markups make up the largest portion of the retail price paid by Alberta beer consumers.
