Advocacy
Fighting for a better craft beer industry
The Ontario Craft Brewers works closely with government to create a better environment for craft brewers to grow and produce world-class beer. On this page you’ll find some recent advocacy wins and activity as well as the association’s advocacy priorities.
Advocacy wins
- Stopped the 4.4% LCBO Cost of service fee Increase in 2025;
- Secured a commitment from the LCBO to implement an “open” listing system by July 1, 2026;
- Ensured craft brewers would be able to continue selling and distributing beer directly to bars and restaurants after the LCBO becomes the wholesaler-of-record in 2026;
- Eliminated restrictions on microbrewers contracting production to larger craft brewers as long as the microbrewer has a bricks-and-mortar brewery;
- Secured an exemption for breweries from new Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) legislation;
- Allowing the sale of locally-made craft beer at Farmers’ Markets;
- Allowing dogs on brewery patios and taprooms and 24-hour service at all airports; and,
- Giving brewers with an on-site retail store the ability to sell anywhere on the property where the store is located; and,
- Permitting brewers to deliver the products of other licensed manufacturers that have an on-site retail store and a delivery endorsement will be created to enable this activity.
Advocacy priorities
Government relations and advocacy are consistently cited by members as the most important things the OCB does for our members. As such, this has been a key focus of the Association over the past several years.
The OCB has long advocated for changes to Ontario’s beer tax system, and it has been our top priority with the provincial government. As a result of the OCB’s advocacy, in May 2025 the government cut microbrewer basic tax rates by 50% and in April 2026 the government made further reductions to taxes and markups that result in a cumulative 40-50% total reduction in craft beer taxes since April 2025.
The government has committed to making further reforms to craft beer taxes including exploring a progressive tax system to provide lower rates for small brewers.
In consultation with OCB members, we developed key priorities that continue to guide our discussions with provincial policy makers, including the Premier’s Office, Minister of Finance, Cabinet Ministers and MPPs across the province. These priorities include:
- Ensuring no listing fees or inducements in all new and existing retail channels;
- Minimum of 20% shelf space be mandated and reserved for local craft brewers in all retail channels and better enforcement of this rule in grocery and convenience stores;
- Allow existing craft breweries to open additional retail locations without having to be attached to an operating brewery and allowing cross-selling;
- Ensure craft brewers can set their own wholesale price and that brewers and retailers cannot negotiate directly on price;
- Removing red tape for craft brewers in selling to their customers and reporting sales to the LCBO and Ministry of Finance, including changes to Direct Delivery Authorization reporting and an “Open Listing System” where brewers can upload their entire product catalogue to LCBO Gateway with minimal red tape;
- Allow craft brewers to open/operate pop-up locations, such as at farmers markets, parks, and community events; and,
- Additional supports and programs for craft breweries at the LCBO.
Join the Ontario Craft Brewers
Add your voice to hundreds contributing to a thriving craft beer industry in Ontario.