Restaurants Canada is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to reconsider the ban on U.S. branded but Canadian made beer as well as other products.

The organization says the policy affects many of the brands ordered by restaurant patrons and they note the crucial role these brands play where they account for roughly 50 per cent of alcohol sales.

Restaurants Canada says nearly half of Saskatchewan’s restaurants are already struggling to break even and losing access to top-selling beer brands could have devastating consequences for businesses, employees, and local communities.

Mark von Schellwitz, Vice President, Western Canada at Restaurants Canada says, “Beer is often the most profitable item on a restaurant’s menu, especially in keg form.”

Restaurants Canada says 2,913 foodservice businesses supporting approximately 38,900 direct and indirect jobs. In 2023 alone, the industry contributed over $3 billion in economic activity across the province.