After years of debate and planning, a new microbrewery is in the works at the University of British Columbia (UBC)’s new Student Union Building, according to Jeremy McElroy, president of UBC’s Alma Mater Society.
The microbrewery is scheduled to be up and running by 2014, he said.
When plans for the Student Union Building were unveiled, students were asked what they would like to see built in it. The overwhelming response came for “a more interesting bar scene,” McElroy said.
“When the idea of a brewery first came up, it was an endeavour we weren’t sure we wanted to take part in,” he said. “But when I was elected [two years ago], we looked into it more and were told it could actually make [the university] some money.”
That’s when the idea of creating a microbrewery became more realistic, McElroy said.
The microbrewery will likely add up to $1 million to the Student Union Building’s budget. The AMS plans to pay that off quickly through their alcohol and food sales, which equal roughly the same.
The AMS also has yet to obtain a license from the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, but that doesn’t faze McElroy, who said at this point the construction process is a go regardless.
“The brewery will largely be run by [the AMS’] executive team but there will also be a partner that has not been finalized yet,” he said. “We’re just waiting for that last piece.”
Although Niagara College operates a brewery that is used to train students studying to become brewmasters, UBC’s would be the first post-secondary institution brewery in the world to be run by students.
The goal is to produce the beer and sell it to the school’s five bars, according to McElroy. Although the AMS told the Ubyssey they won’t be selling beer off-campus, they still project the selling price to be only $2.50 less than the beers at the university’s campus bars.
Because UBC is relatively isolated, there isn’t much competition, said McElroy, adding that the beer made on campus will cost less than competitors and all profit will go back into student activities.
“It’s the perfect storm” he said.
Although the student run microbrewery will be the first of its kind, McElroy said he doesn’t foresee any major issues.
The microbrewery will include a glass wall so passersby will be able to see the brewery at work. McElroy plans on holding tours, and workshops, as well as information sessions.
“[Beer] is a part of the culture here.” McElroy said. “This is what we’re known for.”
