Advocacy Efforts
Direct to Consumer MOU
July 21, 2026
Direct to consumer (DTC) alcohol sales offer a great opportunity for some liquor manufacturers.
ASBA sees this as a great step in the right direction. This has been a topic for many years and this is the most significant step that has been taken.
While many beer, cider and rtd products likely won’t see much benefit, due to the costs of shipping such heavy products, spirits and wine may see a decent increase in consumers and demand. Time will tell.
This is a first step in the right direction. We look forward to meaningful steps in removing interprovincial barriers.
Excise Relief Extension
April 1, 2026
On April 1st, 2026, the federal government announced an additional two-year extension of the two per cent cap on the annual alcohol excise duty inflation adjustment, and of the 50 per cent reduction on excise duty rates for the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada, effective April 1, 2026.
Liquor Markup Rate Update
April 1, 2026
As of April 1st, 2026 Alberta has updated the markup schedule for small beverage manufacturers. Spirit and refreshment beverage manufacturers now qualify for the small manufacturer markup rate based on their AWP.
“This change will provide these small businesses greater opportunity to invest in Alberta, purchase Alberta agricultural products, support local charities and community organizations, and employ additional Albertans.”