Queensland’s artisan producers froth over new liquor licence

Queenslanders will be in high spirits over news that more than 100 producers have hopped-on to apply for the new artisan producer licence as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman said that since the new liquor licence launched in March, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) has had an influx of applications.

“There is a buzz growing around Queensland’s boutique alcohol scene – giving locals and tourists alike the chance to sample quality craft beer or spirits in some of the state’s most popular drinking spots, as well as some unique locations in rural and regional Queensland,” Minister Fentiman said.

“We want to support our craft brewers and distillers to continue to grow their business and create more jobs for Queenslanders as we recover from the pandemic.

“It’s fantastic to see there have already been 114 applications for the new artisan producer liquor licence since April.

“The new licence allows producers to sell their own product as takeaway and online as well as showcase and sell samples at events such as festivals and markets.

“With the licence also comes the added opportunity to sell craft beers or spirits from other artisanal producers, as well as Queensland wines.”

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said of the 114 applications received by the OLGR, 27 applications came from regional producers across the state.

“Queensland’s craft brewers and artisan distillers are innovative, dynamic, and proudly producing some of the best products in the world,” Minister Butcher said.

“There are more than 85 licensees in the south east region, including Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

“I’m particularly pleased to see a fast uptake in regional Queensland with nine licensees in the far north, five in the Scenic Rim and four in Wide Bay.

“When we manufacture locally, we create more long-term and secure jobs for Queenslanders.”

“For our craft brewing and artisan distilling industries that means jobs in construction, jobs in operations, jobs in distribution and export, and jobs right through the manufacturing supply chain.”

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the new licence was helping to boost business and boost jobs on the Gold Coast.

“Giving our local distillers and brewers the capability to support other local producers is helping this industry to thrive,” Ms Scanlon said.

“And it’s great to see Gold Coast distiller, Grandad Jacks have recently expanded their business to their new Albion site too.”

Queensland President of the Australian Distillers Association (ADA) and co-owner of Grandad Jack’s Distillery, David Ridden, said that while it is still early days for the new licence, he is already finding it beneficial for business and employment within the state.

“As the Queensland ADA president I have spoken with some distillers across the state who are looking to expand into other regional towns and cities to operate in more than one location,” Mr Ridden said.

“Artisan distilleries provide an experience which is beneficial for tourism. In fact, our industry has a big focus on domestic-based tourism and the export market, and with benefits of the new licence, I believe we will see some outstanding growth over the next two years.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our second Grandad Jack’s distillery without the artisan producer licence.

“In coming months, we will also be hosting tastings and attending local farmers markets, which is something we didn’t have access to before and that can only be a good thing.

“Being able to promote and expand our business in new ways flows back into production – things like bottling and labelling – which will mean employing a considerable amount of Queenslanders in the coming year. 

“These changes are a massive positive for the industry; they recognise and cater for the artisan industry like never before.”

Benefits of the new artisan producer licence include:

• no limit to how much of their own product can be sold on their premises, providing production limits are met;
• an option to showcase and sell samples of their wares at promotional events such as farmers’ markets, food festivals and agricultural shows; and
• the ability to sell their product as takeaway, including online.

Licence applications for south east Queensland have come from the following LGAs:

• Gold Coast (18)
• Logan (3)
• Redlands (3)
• Brisbane (29)
• Moreton Bay (9)
• Scenic Rim (5)
• Ipswich (1)
• Sunshine Coast (15)
• Noosa (4)

More information on the artisan producer licence, including FAQs and how to apply can be found on the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation’s website.

ENDS

Media contact:                           Inga Williams (Fentiman)            0439 949 719

                                                     Francis Dela Cruz (Scanlon)          0420 592 078

                                                     Andrew Churchill (Butcher)           0472 645 871

All other enquiries: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)