972 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

If Lighthouse owns the premises, then they’ll recoup the $2 million via lease rate. Interesting opportunity. They’ll try to lease the space before having to move and sell the equipment at well below sticker price.

[Victoria Watcher]

Oh, you mean I lease the equipment too, I don't get to own it?

 

Golly, nobody is starting a brand new brewery these days, they are mostly closing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AI:

 

 

 

 

Yes, a notable number of breweries have closed in British Columbia in recent years, particularly in 2025, as the craft beer industry faces significant challenges.British Columbia has around 240 craft breweries (down from a pandemic-era peak of closer to 250–280). Reports indicate 17–20+ closures in 2025 alone, representing roughly 7–10% of the total. This is a sharp increase compared to prior years, when closures were minimal (e.g., just 3 from 2013–2024 according to some accounts, or part of a longer-term net growth).

 

Key examples of closures

• Moody Ales and Co. (Port Moody, closing December 2025)
• Another Beer Co. (New Westminster)
• Several in the Okanagan (e.g., Kelowna Brewing Company, Lake Country Brewing)
• Earlier ones like Five Roads Brewing, Bricklayer Brewing

Reasons for the trend

 

The industry is undergoing a "market correction" or "reckoning" after rapid growth (from ~40 breweries pre-2010s boom to over 200). Factors include:

• Rising costs (ingredients, rent, packaging)
• Declining per-capita beer consumption
• Market saturation
• Unfavorable tax structures that benefit large foreign conglomerates over local craft producers

The BC Craft Brewers Guild has highlighted these issues, noting that without policy changes, more closures could follow. While some breweries are thriving or adapting (e.g., focusing on tasting rooms or events), the overall trend shows consolidation and strain in the sector.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 December 2025 - 11:38 AM.

[Matt R.]

Just when I thought breweries were running out of whacky ideas for beer, I see one Vancouver brewer is making a cotton candy IPA.  What.

[phx]

 

 

 

 Hectare Litres

 

[Victoria Watcher]

Victoria’s Driftwood Brewery carving out a name for itself

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...ame-for-itself/

[Victoria Watcher]

Pulling pints as fast as it’s pulling in customers, the Drake Eatery and Craft Beer Parlour has created a niche for itself in downtown Victoria. Owners Mike and Lee Spence drew upon their experience in running restaurants to move into the pub game in 2014 and haven’t looked back.

Now the real-life couple’s focus on offering local craft beer, spirits, cocktails and formidable food crafted from fresh local ingredients has created a thriving venue in Market Square.

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...-beer-and-food/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 January 2026 - 12:22 PM.

[Mike K.]

Lighthouse Brewing is shutting down at the end of the month.

Thanks to Matt for the heads-up.

https://m.facebook.c...100049384311670

[FogPub]

The brewery is shutting down but Phillips will still be making some (or all?) of Lighthouse's beers.

[Victoria Watcher]

Fire, flavour and a full afternoon of indulgence return as Brewery and the Beast fills Starlight Stadium Sept. 27.

Tickets are on sale now for the all-inclusive outdoor experience that invites guests to explore a curated lineup of Vancouver Island’s top chefs and award-winning restaurants, each serving up bold, live-fire creations in an open-air setting. From perfectly executed classics to inventive, flame-kissed dishes, every bite is designed to showcase the depth of the Island’s culinary scene.

With unlimited tastings included, attendees are free to roam, discover, and indulge at their own pace, pairing exceptional food with a diverse beverage lineup that complements every flavour profile.

 

“Thanks to what will be an incredible lineup of talent, this year’s Brewery and the Beast Vancouver Island is going to offer the best of the best,” said Scott Gurney, director of 17 Black Events which produces the annual event on Vancouver Island, as well as in Vancouver and Calgary. “Each presenting chef brings something delicious to the table. It’s a reminder of the vibrant spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our food scene, and we’re stoked to put that passion on display for everyone to enjoy.”

 

https://vicnews.com/...dium-this-fall/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 May 2026 - 05:32 AM.

[Mike K.]

This used to be a Victoria event. Maybe there’s more money for things like this on the West Shore? Surely there are plenty of venue options in the CoV?

[Victoria Watcher]

$213.29 per ticket with all taxes and fees.  All food and drink included.

 

Vancouver:  https://www.showpass...TckajYwJGwwJGgw

 

About $25 cheaper here.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 May 2026 - 07:28 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

I thought generally, all-you-can-drink events were not quite legal in BC.  

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 May 2026 - 07:34 AM.

[Matt R.]

Serving regulations would still apply. Ie: you can drink all you want until you are cut off.