State’s liquor laws shake-up to support craft brewers
Craft brewers could soon be allowed to sell samples of beers and spirits at farmers markets and even sporting events under a proposed shake-up of Queensland’s liquor laws.
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Craft brewers will be allowed to sell samples of beers and spirits at farmers markets under a proposed shake-up of Queensland’s liquor laws to bolster the growing industry.
Artisan producers will also be able to sell takeaways of their product or take orders for liquor online under new legislation introduced to state parliament on Wednesday.
The new laws will create a new liquor licence specifically for craft brewers and artisan producers – cutting the regulatory burden many face under the existing licencing regime.
Under the changes, licensees will be allowed to apply to sell takeaways and samples of their products at promotional events, like farmers markets.
They will also be allowed to apply for a permit to sell beers and spirits at commercial public events, such as music festivals and sporting events.
Takeaways will be limited to a carton of beer or two bottles of spirits, while samples of 150ml of beer and 15ml of artisan spirits can be distributed at promotional events.
Artisan producers with the new licence will also be eligible to sell other Queensland artisan liquor for onsite consumption as long as it does not exceed 30 per cent of their annual sales.
Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher revealed the craft brewery industry had been smashed by the COVID-19 crisis, with sales plummeting by about 70 per cent as taprooms closed due to initial restrictions.
He said the changes would give boutique producers more choice over how they run their business.
“The new licence will promote access to new markets for Queensland artisanal producers and … this will drive economic growth and job opportunities for this very exciting industry,” Mr Butcher told state parliament on Wednesday.
To be eligible for an artisan producer licence, the craft brewer or artisan distiller must produce between 2,500 litres to 5 million litres of beer each year or between 400 litres to 450,000 litres of spirits.
Normal trading hours for onsite consumption will be between 10am and midnight, while takeaway sales can take place between 10am and 10pm.
In a bid to prevent boutique liquor venues from operating as hotels and nightclubs, licensees will only be allowed to apply for extended trading hours of up to 1am – in line with restaurants.
The new laws will not pass parliament until after the October state election.