Mandatory stamp on their products: Quebec microbreweries abound

Microbreweries in Quebec are said to be reluctant to put a stamp on their products for consumption in bars and restaurants, particularly because of the additional costs, time wasted and logistical challenges.

The stamp is a sticker that must appear on almost all canned or bottled products distributed in bars and restaurants.

“In the 70s, this was partly aimed at combating the underground economy that existed, as tax levels differed between beer that customers brought home or beer that was consumed on site,” explains Jonathan. Gaudreault, co-owner of Ciboir microbrewery in Sherbrooke. The tax is the same for beer consumed on site or consumed at home. We put the stamp in a completely unnecessary way.

An outdated system according to the Quebec Microbreweries Association. The sticker is pasted by hand, which requires extra time and effort.

“If we forget the stamp on a can that goes to another restaurant in Sherbrooke, that's also a stress from a potential source of error, the consequences are still serious,” said Mr. Gaudrelt added.

The consequences can be fines or the withdrawal of a liquor license for a period of time, a situation already experienced by the co-owner of Siboir Microbrewery.

“The liquor bottle of one of my colleagues did not have a stamp, they made a mistake. So we had to close the Jacques-Cartier boutique for two days. We are closed even though we always try to behave according to the law.

In 2018, elected officials in the National Assembly voted in favor of abolishing the stamp, although nothing has changed to date.

“It's trying to get a very clear message out that we want to focus elsewhere on growing our businesses,” sighed Mr Gaudreault.

For these reasons you may see the slogan: “Stamping Stamped” appear on your drinks.

The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux indicated by email that the marking systems have several objectives. They are a tool for identifying products, complying with distribution and sales regulations, paying various duties due to the state and fighting against smuggling, money laundering and tax evasion. As for the suggestion to repeal these rules, that is a matter for the National Assembly and the Member of Legislature.

This complex issue involves many departments and agencies. Developing an intervention strategy in the short term is difficult.