Axing interprovincial trade barriers could bring London beer, spirits to Canada-wide market [Video]

As the push to do away with interprovincial trade barriers builds momentum amid a looming trade war with the U.S., London craft brewers and distillers say those roadblocks within Canada are shutting them out of a nationwide marketplace.

Ontario breweries, distilleries and wineries can’t sell their product directly to customers in other provinces, something David Reed, owner of Forked River Brewing Company, says limits their sales opportunities.

The east-end brewery has fielded inquiries over the years from local customers looking to ship beer to friends and family elsewhere in Canada, but has had to decline because of interprovincial rules, he said. 

Their loved ones might as well be in another country — the company had better luck selling its brews in Japan before COVID-19 than they’ve had selling to customers in other provinces, Reed said. 

“We had beer for sale in Tokyo faster than I’ve had it on shelves in LCBOs in Ontario, let alone another province,” Reed said. A …