Lion blames lack of beer sales for closure of Tiny Mountain brewery

A popular beer and food venue in Townsville is about to close. Find out why a much-loved brew will be no more.

In a blow for lovers of craft beer brewery group Lion has announced the closure of its Tiny Mountain microbrewery and venue in South Townsville.

The company has also decided to cease production of the brand.

In a statement, Lion Queensland Sales Director Pat Donohue said lack of sales was behind the move.

“From the outset, Tiny Mountain was created to be a great local brand that would be enjoyed here in the region and beyond North Queensland. While the venue has been embraced by locals, despite the dedication and passion of our amazing local team, unfortunately, sales of Tiny Mountain have not grown as strongly as initially hoped beyond the venue,” Mr Donohue said.

Tiny Mountain head brewer David Mullins and venue manager Tim Bennie with Four Point Pale Ale brewed for the State of Origin game in Townsville in 2021.

“With the lease on the Townsville property up for renewal, we considered our options and made the difficult decision to close the venue and focus our investment in other areas.”

The Tiny Mountain Brewery on Palmer Street.

Mr Donohue said they would be work with their team to provide opportunities for redeployment to alternate roles across Lion or support them to find alternate employment in the Townsville area through their hospitality network.

“Lion is committed to North Queensland. Just last year we signed a new multi-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys, and we are spending close to $1.4m annually in the region across major partnerships including the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, North Queensland Cowboys and Mt Isa Rodeo, alongside our ongoing support for the region’s pubs and clubs.

“We would like to thank the Townsville locals who have embraced Tiny Mountain and our team for the wonderful hospitality and craft beer experience they have offered guests for the past four years.”

Tiny Mountain Brewery head brewer David Mullins and business development manager Adam Keane at the opening of the venue in 2019. Picture: Evan Morgan

The microbrewery opened in late 2019 amid much excitement from local people although competitor the Townsville Brewery challenged its planning approval for a former warehouse in Palmer St.

In a mediated settlement conditions were placed the brewery including a prohibition on bottling or canning and a need to report annual production to the council.

There was no suggestion from Lion this played into the move although a corporate model not to run hospitality venues might have contributed to the decision.

In the end it appears a lack of consistent profitability from an initial investment of more than $4.5m will see Tiny Mountain disappear from view.

A last day of trade has been set for Sunday, April 2.

Originally published as Lion blames lack of beer sales for closure of Tiny Mountain brewery