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Frequently Asked Questions
TASTING ROOMS
What’s changed?
Manitoba breweries can now apply for a unique hospitality venue licence to allow onsite tasting at
their manufacturing facilities. This allows breweries to sell and serve the beer they brew onsite at the
location where it’s made.
Why are tasting rooms being made available?
During the past several years, craft brewery tasting rooms have become increasingly popular
throughout North America, including many other Canadian provinces. As part of Manitoba’s
continued commitment to liquor modernization and consumer choice, the introduction of tasting
rooms will allow Manitobans and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Manitoba made craft beer
straight from the source.
What is a tasting room?
A tasting room is an onsite venue where a local craft brewery can sell its product by the glass to
people 18 years of age or older. Customers may also purchase their favourite brew and memorabilia
from the brewery’s retail operations.
Who can apply?
Manitoba craft breweries can apply to obtain a licence to operate a tasting room as a unique
hospitality venue. In 2014, as part of the province’s liquor modernization efforts, the unique hospitality
venue option was created to provide the LGA with flexibility to license businesses that do not fit within
other licence categories.
How do I apply?
For more information on how to apply for a unique hospitality venue licence to open a tasting room,
please email the LGA Liquor Licence Department or contact us at 204-474-5619 or toll-free at 1-888898-6522, or visit us online at www.LGAmanitoba.ca.
How is this different from a regular service licence (e.g. bar, lounge)?
Typically, people visiting a tasting room will be those taking a tour of the brewery or beer enthusiasts.
Tasting rooms can serve only beer that is brewed onsite and their hours are limited to 9:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m. Regular service licensees are not limited to serving beer and may set their hours of
business at any time between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tasting rooms will be authorized to serve a
maximum of 50 people regardless of the size of the premises.
Is beer complimentary in a tasting room?
In accordance with LGA regulation, Manitoba’s minimum pricing of $2.25 (including PST and GST)
per 341 ml serving of beer applies to tasting rooms. As well, a brewery may provide complimentary
samples up to 120 ml of beer.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tasting Rooms
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What are the serving sizes?
In accordance with LGA regulation, a person may be served a maximum of 750 ml serving of beer at
one time. Flights of a variety of beer may total up to 750 ml combined.
Can minors consume liquor in a tasting room?
No. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase or consume liquor in a tasting room.
Minors may tour the brewery and visit the tasting room only if accompanied by a parent, guardian or
their spouse.
Are employees in tasting rooms required to have Serving It Safe
Training?
Yes. All liquor service staff must be certified by the Manitoba Tourism Education Council's Serving It
Safe program (www.servingitsafe.ca).
Will tasting rooms serve food?
A selection of snacks must be available in a tasting room, which may include: sandwiches, nuts,
pretzels, chips, cheese and crackers and baked goods.
Does the public have input on these licences?
As required for all new retail and service premises, a public notice must be posted at the brewery as
part of the application process. This notice will advise the community that the LGA is considering an
application to licence an on-premises tasting room and give citizens the opportunity to ask questions
and share their views.
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