The Bar Towel

Isn't the most obvious solution to make the new facility a pure production facility, at least until the stupid law is changed? Who says they have to offer tours? Also, how does Amsterdam do it? I presume they exceed the 25,000 HL minimum. Or put another way, they are more than ten times bigger than Bellwoods.

midlife crisis wrote:... Also, how does Amsterdam do it? I presume they exceed the 25,000 HL minimum. Or put another way, they are more than ten times bigger than Bellwoods.

How?

I think Amsterdam and Great Lakes Brewery make some mass-market beers as well as the really great stuff... not what Bellwoods is interested in, apparently.

midlife crisis wrote:Isn't the most obvious solution to make the new facility a pure production facility, at least until the stupid law is changed? Who says they have to offer tours? Also, how does Amsterdam do it? I presume they exceed the 25,000 HL minimum. Or put another way, they are more than ten times bigger than Bellwoods.

Regardless of what they do it would seem like they would have to come up with some legal work around until the laws can be change. And considering what the article said, and the fact that this is an alcohol law in Canada, I would expect that it would take a long time for the law to change.

That said I am surprised that Bellwoods would get this far into building their new facility without making sure they had everything covered with respect to laws. What's up with that?

Kel Varnsen wrote: That said I am surprised that Bellwoods would get this far into building their new facility without making sure they had everything covered with respect to laws. What's up with that?

They have multiple options available to them, just none that they love. They have obviously decided that they are going to spend the time it takes to build the place lobbying to change the law, and if they aren't successful they are presumably willing to settle for one of the less preferred options. (I am only speculating, since I have no knowledge of their actual plans or thoughts, but I think it makes sense.)

Personally I think it's a no-brainer from a business perspective - you open the store at the new larger brewery and sell a buttload more beer. It's not ideal for the reasons already noted, but financially it is likely their best currently legal option.

JerCraigs wrote:Personally I think it's a no-brainer from a business perspective - you open the store at the new larger brewery and sell a buttload more beer. It's not ideal for the reasons already noted, but financially it is likely their best currently legal option.

Ontario: it's not about making the best choice, but the best available stupid choice.

FYI, Beyond the Pale in Ottawa is facing the same(ish) issue. They're about to open their new brewery at City Centre (bigger, parking) and would have to close their first spot right in the heart of Hintonburg.

Bytowner wrote:FYI, Beyond the Pale in Ottawa is facing the same(ish) issue. They're about to open their new brewery at City Centre (bigger, parking) and would have to close their first spot right in the heart of Hintonburg.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ot ... -1.2785400