With Cochrane's Half Hitch Brewing Company celebrating their first anniversary (January 21), it feels like a good time to mention how the Alberta government has stepped up to make lives easier for our local brewers and distilleries.

Banff-Cochrane MLA, Cameron Westhead, says entrepreneurs are excited to see the efforts the government is making toward local producers because focusing on Alberta made products is a win for all. "When I've talked to small brewers and distillers they tell me they have been trying to advocate for these kinds of programs for a really long time and that in the past it seemed to really fall on deaf ears they weren't really all that interested in standing up for these entrepreneurs who were also trying to showcase some of Alberta's grains. It's not just the beer that's great but it's also the grain that is grown in Alberta that makes excellent beer and excellent spirits. It's not just good for the liquor industry but also for the agricultural industry."

While Westhead is baffled by how long it took, he is excited about the changes already implemented and those still forthcoming. "Some things we did last year, for example, was easing some restrictions for patios at restaurants and bars. There were some red tape things that didn't make a lot of sense in terms of fencing and this kind of thing so we made it a bit easier. Even things like having a taproom licence that allows producers to offer food service, events, and entertainment at their places of production. They are minor annoyances but in the life of an entrepreneur trying to make things work, we can look at these annoying rules and try to modernize and make sure it's working for people."

Some of the other notable changes implemented to help brewers and distillers grow their industries and diversify the economy were:

  • The Alberta Small Brewers Development Program contributed to nearly 780 jobs in the small brewing industry and the addition of 513 new beer products made in the province.
  • Providing a $60,000 grant to the Alberta Small Brewers Association to help develop and promote the province’s local beer brand.
  • Allowing small producers to operate licensed restaurants or bars at a separate site.
  • Permitting the sale of Alberta craft beers and spirits at approved farmers’ markets alongside cottage wine.

Chris Heier, President of Half Hitch Brewing Company, shares while the process for change has been quite slow it is a bonus that the Alberta government is supportive, listening and become more open. "I think the Alberta Liquor Gaming Commision, as well as the current government, is recognizing that there are quite a few restrictions that have been placed on our industry and some that go as far back as the 'prohibition era' that don't really apply anymore in this day and age. A lot of these things kind of give us a small upwards opportunity at least for sales and a little more option for creativity at marketing our product."

While the economic market is slowly recovering, many brewers are joining forces and collaborating with each other. "Especially in the craft beer industry and it's not just unique to Alberta, generally the idea of collaboration and support seems to be across the board whether it's here or in the United States. We all really want to see craft beer grow because as long as craft beer's growing everybody's seeming to see success out of that."

In 2018 Half Hitch Brewing Company has lots on the slate and will begin by introducing some new seasonal brews before month's end, will enter into some competitions, and continue to have a high community presence. "The idea of supporting the community is a core tenant of our business strategy, we want to continue to support the various things as much as we can for the community."