Boutique alcohol producers to benefit from new licence

Queensland’s artisan distillers and craft brewers now have more opportunities to grow their business by operating under their own, tailor-made, liquor licence.

Attorney General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman announced small-scale liquor producers will be able to apply for a new artisan producer licence.

“This is all about backing small business, creating jobs, and helping Queensland kickstart its economy after COVID,” said Minister Fentiman.

“And this is fantastic news for Queensland’s artisan distillers and craft brewers to help them grow their business, and their brand.”

“This sector was identified as an up and coming powerhouse, not only within Queensland’s liquor industry but in the state’s greater business landscape.

Before the pandemic disrupted the industry, Queensland craft brewers and artisan distillers contributed significantly to the economy and employed nearly 2000 people.

“This opportunity empowers a promising sector of Queensland’s liquor industry, allowing for new business opportunities and increased revenue, while they continue their COVID-19 recovery.”

Benefits of the new artisan producer licence include:

• no limit to how much of their own product can be sold on their premises;
• an option to showcase and sell samples of their wares at promotional events such as farmer’s markets, food festivals and agricultural shows;
• the ability to sell their product as takeaway, including online; and
• an authorisation to apply for a permit to sell their products at a public event, such as a music festival.

“They will also be able to sell, for consumption at their venue, Queensland wine and the products of other Queensland artisan producers – which is a fantastic way for them to back their fellow artisan producers,” Minister Fentiman continued.

Applications for the new licence are now open for any small business operator who currently produces or intends to produce their own craft beer or artisan spirits.

The commercial other - artisan producer licence is a result of the Artisan Liquor Bill, which was passed by Parliament on 9 March 2021 and is proposed to commence on 3 May 2021.

Once the new laws have commenced, the government will establish a Queensland Artisan Liquor Advisory Group – providing stakeholders a platform to share feedback on the regulatory framework and future direction of the industry.

ENDS

Media contact:         Inga Williams           0439 949 719