Local distilleries switch to making and distributing hand sanitizer during shortage

In response to a shortage of hand sanitizer, some alcohol distilleries in Winnipeg are making more than just spirits.

Patent 5 Distillery on Alexander Avenue has started making hand sanitizer and providing it for free to Winnipeg not-for profits and organizations in need.

"The best way to give back to the community is for us to distribute this for free," said Brock Coutts, co-owner of Patent 5 Distillery.

"Our focus has been on not-for-profits that deal with the most vulnerable people today."

Making hand sanitizer for those in need

4 years ago

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Brock Coutts, founder of Patent 5 Distillery, started making the liquid hand sanitizer this week and has already been overwhelmed with requests but he wants to ensure those who need it most are prioritized.

The distillery is offering the liquidhand sanitizerto organizations like Main Street Project, Sunshine Houseand the Exchange District BIZ.

Following guidelines from the World Health Organization, the distillery is making itshand sanitizer base with glycerin and a base of80 per centalcohol.

Coutts says the request for hand sanitizer has been overwhelming and he has received inquiries from across Canada, including Ottawa.

The decision to give the hand sanitizer away for free to those in need is something Couttssaid he feels strongly about.

"Our plan is not to sell the hand sanitizer," said Coutts.

He saidthat before the COVID-19 outbreak, the small batch distillery was just getting off the ground and since then have had to lay off their employees.

For now, Patent 5has stopped making spirits but isstill open for business, selling bottles at Manitoba Liquor Marts and out of thedistillery.

Health Canada has temporarily changed its regulations around hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment due to the urgent need for the products, allowing businesses like Patent 5 Distillery and Capital K Distillery to fill the void.

"We are going to try our hardest to make sure that everyone who wants some can get their hands on it," said Lindsey Gillanders, marketing manager for Capital K Distillery.

Gillanders said the small business is selling itslarger bottles of liquid disinfectant for around $10,and will beshipping its first orders to Manitoba Corrections, as well as the WRHA.Capital K has also received inquiries from the RCMP and local fire departments.

"We are not looking to make money, but as a small organization we need to be able to recoup something in order to keep our lights on right now," said Gillanders.

Capital K Distillery hopes to acquire smaller two-ouncebottles from the public tomake its liquid disinfectant availableto first responders and people inneed for free, Gillanders said.

Locally made hand sanitizers and disinfectants still need to adhere to Health Canada standards, but requirements like labelling and packaging are being waived so the public can access these vital products.

The provincial government still recommends hand washing for at least 15 seconds as the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.