This Esquimalt brewery says it’s too pricey to make beer

This week Lighthouse Brewing in Esquimalt announced it’s shutting down operations and selling its brand - saying it costs more to brew beer than they can bring in by selling it. On this week’s episode we hear from co-owner Ben Thomas about the difficult decision, and how the BCGEU strike was the breaking point. Plus, we talk to Chris Bjerrisgaard of Sidney’s Small Gods Brewing about how they’re managing to stay afloat as beer sales decline across the country.

While you’re here, check out this previous episode of This is Vancouver Island, about how two local breweries are expanding into non-alcoholic drinks to adapt.