Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries introduces break for local beer, wine makers

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is lowering the markups for small producers in an effort to boostthe province's local beer industry.

The announcement was madeThursday, and Ron Lemieux;minister of tourism, culture, heritage, sport and consumer protection, said the move will create opportunities in the province.

"These changesmean small craft brewers can keep more of their sales revenue and we anticipate smallcraft producers will reinvest in their businesses, create exciting new job and tourismopportunities right here in Manitoba, where Canada's heart beats," he said.

The changeswill mean craft breweries, craft distilleriesand cottage wineries will have flexibility tokeep a greaterportion of the revenue from sales of their products or to price it competitively and grow their market share.

Tyler Birch, owner of Barn Hammer Brewing, said the changes will make starting a small liquor business "so much easier."

"We will have more freedom to keepour beer interesting and still thrive," he said.

The changes come into effect on April 1, 2016.