This past summer Devoid and I (Nemsis) spent a couple of weeks driving around southern Ontario visiting craft brewers. It is the only way to get some of these great beers.
We wanted to learn a bit more about the Ontario Craft Brewers Association and whether there was any hope for getting more craft beer locally.
We decided to email Gary McMullen at the OCB and ask him a few questions.
Below you will find the answers to these questions.
Mr. McMullen tells it straight when it comes to the shameful situation with the Beer Store in Ontario and we were very glad to hear his views.

BT: Tell us a bit about your background in the brewing industry.
GMcM: I started in the industry as a homebrewer and began commercial brewing when we founded and started Muskoka Brewery in 1996. My educational background is originally in engineering. B.eng Royal Military College 1990.

BT: How long have you been chairman of the OCB and how long does your term run?
GMcM: I have been Chair for fourish years now. My term has been extended due to personnel changes at other companies which required me staying in the position in order to provide continuity for the Association.

BT: How is the chairman Selected?
GMcM: Currently a Board of (8) is voted in by the membership and then the Chair is nominated by the Board. At that time a Vice-Chair is nominated. The Vice Chair becomes the Chair after the term is completed.

BT: What do you see as the main goals you wish to accomplish during your tenure? How do you intend to accomplish them?
GMcM: We have worked hard over the last several years to create a positive regulatory environment for small brewers. This includes a focus on taxation policies at the federal and provincial level, retailing policies and regulations, and programs to help us to build awareness of Ontario Craft Brewers - i.e. our website, and marketing programs www.ontariocraftbrewers.ca
Our association works closely with the Ontario Government and the LCBO to help to realize our objectives.
This will pave the wave for a growing and prosperous small brewing industry in Ontario. We would like to build a strong, local beer culture in Ontario. This means successful breweries throughout the province.

BT: The Ontario Government is providing $8-million to small brewers over the next few years, what sort of things do you see craft brewers doing with this, will most of it be needed for production costs or will it help with growth, marketing, etc.?
GMcM: Many of the craft brewers are growing and these funds will be put to good use to support this growth. The Ontario Craft Brewers Opportunity fund is a tremendous program and we applaud the Ontario Government for supporting our growing industry segment. We are creating jobs in manufacturing while most other sectors are declining.
I know here at Muskoka Brewery we are going to invest in additional marketing and sales initiatives to help build more awareness in the marketplace of our company and brands. Many of the other growing small brewers will likely do the same, and also may use the funds to invest in new or upgraded equipment.

BT: Is there more that you would like the Ontario Government to do to help craft brewers in Ontario?
GMcM: As Chair of the Ontario Craft Brewers Association I am very pleased with the progress that we have made and the spirit of support and cooperation that exists between our association and the Ontario Government. Our association takes very seriously the INVESTMENT that the Ontario Government is making in our segment. We [are] creating jobs and building value in local economies in return.
There are tremendous opportunities surrounding the retail environment for Beer in Ontario. We are working toward creating a more level playing field for beer sales in Ontario. The concept of three large multinational brewers controlling more than 80% of the beer retailing in the Province is quite frankly shocking and untenable. This market condition needs to change.

BT: What is the OCB doing to improve sales and distribution in Ontario?
GMcM: We are working to educate the Government of Ontario, and our consumers about the true nature of the current system to help clear the path for a beer retailing environment that can ensure fair, access to the marketplace for all brewers regardless of size.