A recently approved amendment to the Liquor Control Act and Regulations will now allow eligible businesses who sell beer and wine kits to provide on-site u-brew/u-vin services.
The Hon. Alan Campbell, Minister Responsible for the PEI Liquor Control Commission, stated the introduction of a Ferment On Premises License was in response to requests received from the owners of u-brew/u-vin businesses who wanted to provide an additional service to their customers beyond just selling kits for at-home production.
“The change to the Provincial liquor law will allow approved establishments to provide customers with the ingredients, equipment and advice they need to make their own beer, wine, cider or coolers on-site,” Campbell said. “With very clear licensing requirements, this move is one of expanding the range of services for local businesses involved in the liquor industry while at the same time maintaining the social responsibility aspects pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol.”
Beveraged alcohol made on the site of a licensed ferment on premises facility is for the customer’s personal use. Products made cannot be re-sold, or supplied to a licensed premises or event, including those held under a special occasion permit.
PEI is the fourth province to offer this type of license, joining Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. It is expected that New Brunswick will be implementing a similar licensing scheme later this year.