Restaurants Canada Urges Saskatchewan Government to Reverse Decision on US-Branded, Canadian-Made Beer Ban

Restaurants Canada is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to reconsider its decision to ban US-branded but Canadian-made beer and other products from provincial distribution. This policy affects many of the key brands most ordered by our restaurants patrons from iconic Canadian beer company brands that play a crucial role in the restaurant industry, where beer accounts for roughly 50% of alcohol sales.

As restaurants across the province grapple with rising costs and tight margins, the ban threatens to compound existing financial pressures. Restaurants have always operated on slim margins but today, nearly half of Saskatchewan’s restaurants already struggling to break even. Losing access to top-selling beer brands could have devastating consequences for businesses, employees, and local communities.

“Beer is often the most profitable item on a restaurant’s menu, especially in keg form,” said Mark von Schellwitz, Vice President, Western Canada at Restaurants Canada. “Removing the most in-demand brands from the market will significantly impact restaurants and hurt small businesses, jobs, and farmers across the province.”

Von Schellwitz emphasized that while the restaurant industry supports Canada’s efforts in response to international trade disputes, banning these beer brands is misguided. “These beers are brewed in Canada, by Canadians, often using Saskatchewan-grown barley,” he said. “This policy will cause more harm than good to Saskatchewan’s small businesses, employees, and farmers.”

The foodservice sector plays a vital role in Saskatchewan’s economy, with 2,913 foodservice businesses supporting approximately 38,900 direct and indirect jobs. In 2023 alone, the industry contributed over $3 billion in economic activity across the province.

Contact:

Mark von Schellwitz
Vice President, Western Canada, Restaurants Canada
Email: mark@restaurantscanada.org
Phone: 604-809-5719
Website: www.restaurantscanada.org

About Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry. Valued at $120 billion, the industry employs nearly 1.2 million Canadians and serves as the country’s number one source of first-time jobs.