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About the FGBC
Who and What is the Fermenters Guild of British Columbia (FGBC)?
- The FGBC is a registered, non-profit organization under the B.C. Societies Act.
- The Association exists to provide ongoing services and information to its members.
- The Association aims to represent the majority of U-brew and U-vin shops in British Columbia. We aim to maintain the viability and ensure the longevity of this industry in our Province.
The Fermenters Guild of British Columbia (FGBC) represents the interests of the B.C. Ubrew and Uvin industry. The FGBC:
 Brings together hobby brewing and vinting businesses, with the suppliers of brewing and vinting products, equipment and services; - Educates the public and the governments in the art and science of brewing beer and making wine for personal use;
- Provides the public, government and its membership with information on laws that may affect, hobby brewing and wine making practices in the Province;
- Gives members access to insider and technical information and free classified ads on the HBVA web site.
- You may ask questions about government regulations, technical help, or material sources of Ubrew-Uvin experts.
- Encourages laws that recognize and permit the ancient practice of home and hobby brewing;
 - Encourages and assists due enforcement of laws against illegal alcohol production; and
- Encourages suppliers of goods and services, and hobby brewers and vintners to join the Association and to increase their professionalism to help the public make beer and wine in compliance with the law and to the highest standards.
Impact of Industry Regulations.
Most FGBC members supported the need for regulation. Regulations developed through extensive consultation with the FGBC and the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, came into effect in November 1999, with the licensing of Ubrew and Uvin establishments following in April 2000. It is generally hoped that the regulations will provide procedural uniformity among operations and standardized acceptable advertising practices. The FGBC hopes that adhering to regulations will force the government to recognize this industry as a viable and contributing sector of the B.C. economy.
The FGBC still feels there is room for improvement in the regulations and will continue to lobby for changes regarding the following:
- Need for lower licensing fees;
- Reduction of red tape regulations;
- Removal of unenforceable regulations that are not in the public's best interest; and
- Potential future taxation on the industry.
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