CAMRA Makes Submission to Agri-Food Policy Committee

By John Rowling

On behalf of CAMRA BC I made a submission to the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, On November 25, 1999

For the Hansard record of what was actually said, check this website:

 http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/36thParl/CMT08/hansard/1999/af112599.htm

The following is a summary of the main points of the submission:

“The CAMpaign for Real Ale Society of British Columbia (CAMRA BC) is a consumer advocacy society dedicated to the promotion of craft beers. Beer is one of the oldest food products in the history of the human race. The following proposals focus on food safety and industry sustainability in British Columbia today.

Food Safety

What is used to make beer?

1. CAMRA BC proposes that in British Columbia, there must be a listing of ingredients on beer packaging, so that consumers can make an informed choice.

2.      CAMRA BC proposes that the use of genetically altered yeasts be banned in the British Columbia brewing industry.

Industry Sustainability

“Buy BC”

3.      CAMRA BC proposes a more equitable tax regime in the beer industry in this province. We endorse the proposal of the Craft Brewers Association of British Columbia for a uniform tax rate of 80% of current levels for the first 15,000 Hectolitres produced, 85% for the next 20,000 HL and 90% on further production to a maximum of 75,000 HL. Above that level, all production would be taxed at the current rate.”

Thanks to CAMRA member, Laura Kotler, for helping keep track of the Hansard record.