N.S. offers new round in surcharge brew-haha

Nova Scotia says it will consider granting Moncton-brewed beer "local" status if New Brunswick is prepared to make a similar change in return.

Molson Coors Canada wants beer brewed in its new Moncton plant to be considered local in Nova Scotia, which would exempt it from paying $1.32 on every case.

A Nova Scotia finance official says the province is prepared to drop the surcharge if New Brunswick does the same for brewers such as Sleeman who want to sell in that province.

It's up to New Brunswick to make the next move, said Vicki Harnish, deputy minister of finance.

"What we do need though is a reply with some counter-offer or some sort of initiative that would make the playing field more level for our Nova Scotia breweries," she said Monday.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. adds the surcharge on "outside" brewers to cover transportation and distribution costs.

The surcharge in New Brunswick is double Nova Scotia's, with $2.64 added to a 12 pack of Sleeman products.

Molson's $36-million Moncton brewery, slated to open this year, is coming into the market after the two provinces agreednot to charge the fee on Maritime brews.