Fill Er' Up: Increased Access to Growler Stations for Saskatchewan

Released on March 1, 2016

Craft beer lovers now have more options when it comes to filling their growlers.  That’s because off-sale outlets, franchises, private stores and Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) stores are now eligible to provide growler fills of craft beer.

“Interest in craft beer continues to grow but many of these unique products are not always available in cans or bottles,” Minister responsible for SLGA Don McMorris said.  “Expanding the locations eligible to provide growler fills will give consumers additional opportunities to enjoy craft beer products in their homes.”

Growlers are reusable containers favoured by craft beer drinkers.  Once you buy the growler (typically 64 ounces in size and made of glass), you can use it over and over again, only paying for the actual beer.  Until now, growler fills were limited to microbreweries and brew pubs where the beer was made and farmers’ markets.

“This is great news not only for our business but for the craft beer industry overall,” Rebellion Brewing President and Brewmaster Jamie Singer said.  “Until now, customers could only get growler fills from our onsite brewery or the farmers’ market.  This change will open up new retail opportunities for our products, which is something our customers have been asking for.”

Businesses that decide to offer growler fills will be required to include Saskatchewan-made beer - at least one tap if there are four or fewer taps overall and two Saskatchewan taps if there are more than four taps for growler fills.  Two SLGA stores – one in Regina and one in Saskatoon – will implement growler filling stations as a pilot project in the coming months.

-30-

For more information, contact:

David Morris
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1721
Email: dmorris@slga.gov.sk.ca

Jamie Singer
Rebellion Brewing
Regina
Phone: 306-522-4666
Email: jamie.singer@rebellionbrewing.ca