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On 2003-05-27 11:35, esprit wrote:
...the fact is, the only socially responsible thing they do is turn intoxicated people away...
And even that rule is not applied consistently. I've seen folks who have obviously had a few purchasing stuff at my local LCBO, and unless they are falling-down drunk, they're often allowed through by the staff.
Setting aside the problems of the LCBO with their social responsibility, I think it is sometimes an easy out to blame them for lack of beer sales.
The fact is that there is very little (if any) promotion that is done to push rare beers that come out in their releases. Granted, the high-gloss flyers and magazines are probably too expensive, but there are dozens of smaller "grassroots" opportunities to get the word out about these beers (ok, my advertising side is showing).
How about a launch party with the brewer at an establishment when a new beer comes out? I think the tastings that happen at la Brasserie are a great idea. It's low cost (so it seems) and there's good exposure opportunity. It's a chance to get the word out amongst people who might not know about the products, in an environment where people are not afraid to pay for quality.
And what about public/media relations? Dogfish Head coming here should be a big deal - it's one of the most famous and innovative breweries in the U.S. When Fuller's came out with their draught beers they got a big article in the Globe.
And as far as regulations go, in recent years they have eased up on marketers when it relates to beer. I remember in the past all advertising needed to be approved by the LLBO - now they respect marketers to follow their guidelines independently. This means that things can be done much quicker and easier than before.
Maybe I'm just letting off steam, but this will probably be the case of DFH coming and going, just like so many other beers we've seen.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Cass on 2003-05-27 17:27 ]</font>
