More growlers among Sask. beer changes being studied

They're called growlers big, two-litre, refillable beer containers.

Beer lovers have to go toa brewery or abrewpub for a fill-up.

But someday soon, people may be able to go into their favouritebar or restaurant for the bulk purchase.

Having more places fill growlers is one of a number of liquor changes the province is considering to boost the craft beer and craft liquor industries.

The government announced Wednesday it will conduct a study that will look at the growler question, plus several other issues, includingthemark-up oncraft alcohol, production thresholds and thedirect shipping of craft alcohol to retailers.

"Saskatchewans craft alcohol industry has undergone tremendous growth in recent years, Don McMorris, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), said in a news release.

"We want to be sureSLGAspolicies are supportive of industry while also balancing the concerns of other stakeholders and the provincial treasury."

According to the government,Saskatchewans craft liquor industry is made up of five microbreweries, six cottage wineries and four microdistilleries.

There are also about 35 brewpubs that makesmall volumes of beer.

The proposed changes come onthe heels of a flurry of liquor regulation changes in the past year.

The province has made stripping and wet t-shirt contestslegal in bars, things which had been banned for many years. It also made it legal to take home half-finished bottles of wine from restaurants.

The government has also launched a study into whether there should be more private liquor stores, or even an Alberta-style widespread privatization of dozens of government-owned stores.