[LINK] "Quebec opening market for local beer, wine"

[rfmcdonald]

The Toronto Star's Allan Woods writes about the liberalization of Québec's laws on the sale of domestically produced alcoholic beverages.

They share the language and many of the same cultural references, but there is a world of difference between the domestic wine industries in France and Quebec.

Even Ontario and British Columbia leave the French-speaking province in the dirt.

But the provincial government is taking steps to close that gap with legislation unveiled ahead of the Christmas break that could heap some well-needed sunshine on Quebec-made wines, as well as artisanal beers and ciders.

The bill would allow those alcohol producers to bypass the government-run liquor store and sell directly to grocery and convenience stores, giving them more choice in how and to whom their products are available. It would also allow microbreweries and brew-pubs to sell directly to customers at the place where the beer is produced.

Leon Courville, president of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Growers Association in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, said the legal changes would allow alcohol producers to increase their visibility and profit from “buy local” shopping trends. He said it would also allow him to sell his product in stores specializing in things like cheese or charcuterie — things that are best washed down with a glass of wine.