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The Queensland Government is inviting industry and the community to have their say on a proposed new licence for craft brewers that could allow breweries to sell more products on site and at promotional events.

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the proposed new licence will ensure local craft brewers can keep growing and creating more jobs for Queenslanders.

“One of the key priorities of our Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy is improving the regulatory environment for Queensland independent craft brewers,” Mr Dick said.

“This includes streamlining the liquor licencing application process, so we’ve been working with our craft brewers on proposed amendments to the Liquor Act 1992.

“The new licence, Commercial Other – Craft Beer Producer Licence, would allow craft breweries to sell their beer for consumption off premises, and to sell beer and wine from other producers on site.
“It would also give breweries the opportunity to sell products at promotional events such as farmers markets.

“With 90 independent craft breweries in Queensland employing more than 1700 people and contributing around $62 million annually to our economy, our government understands how important craft brewing is for manufacturing in this state,” he said.

“We’re committed to growing this industry and accelerating opportunities for our brewers in domestic and overseas markets.”

Independent Brewers Association Board Director and Ballistic Brewing founder David Kitchen said reviewing the licencing process for craft breweries is one of the critical pillars of the strategy.

“If we can get this right, it will be a major step forward for the independent craft brewing industry in Queensland,” Mr Kitchen said.

“As an industry we’re excited about the possibilities this revised licence might provide in terms of financial stability to new and existing breweries, and how it could help generate further economic growth for our state.”

Mr Dick added that existing licensing arrangements will not be removed.

“The new licence category will be introduced in addition to current authorisations,” he said.

“Craft brewers who are licensed as producer/wholesalers will be able to transition to the new licence without applying for a new liquor licence.”

Learn more about the proposed amendments and have your say. Comments can be emailed to advancedmanufacturing@dsdmip.qld.gov.au.

Consultation is open until 14 February 2020.

Details of the proposed licence can be viewed here.