Image missing.
Doug Ford giving hundreds of Ontario breweries a financial bailout

Becky Robertson

created: May 16, 2025, 2:18 p.m. | updated: May 17, 2025, 5:05 a.m.

But now, Ford has decided to make it up to them with new legislation. Within the lengthy 2025 provincial budget that just dropped on Thursday is a plan to provide financial relief for the hundreds of breweries in Ontario's robust local beer scene that has really come into its own in the last decade. The 340-plus beer brands impacted seem to be pleased with the announcement, with the Ontario Craft Brewers (OCB) "sincerely thanking the government for listening, conducting its review of all alcohol taxes, mark-ups and fees." "This is a great day for craft breweries, craft beer lovers, and communities across Ontario... today's tax changes have put it on a path to see breweries grow, create more jobs, invest in their communities, and have the ability to get more local beer on store shelves." Future of The Beer Store in Ontario uncertain beyond 2026 https://t.co/iacHPeVNJa — blogTO (@blogTO) May 28, 2024People have had mixed feelings about Beer Stores now shuttering left and right as the province ends its Master Framework Agreement with the retailer early.

3 weeks, 1 day ago: blogTO