March 11, 2021
Artisan distillers and craft brewers in Queensland will now be able to operate under a new liquor licence.
Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said small-scale liquor producers would 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,” Minister Fentiman said.
“And this is fantastic news for Queensland’s artisan distillers and craft brewers to help them grow their business, and their brand.
Ms Fentiman said that before the pandemic disrupted the industry, Queensland craft brewers and artisan distillers contributed significantly to the economy and employed nearly 2000 people.
The new artisan producer licence includes:
- 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.
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 Artisan Liquor Bill was passed by State Parliament on Tuesday is proposed to begin on May 3.
Once the new laws have commenced, the government will establish a Queensland Artisan Liquor Advisory Group which will provide stakeholders a platform to share feedback on the regulatory framework and future direction of the industry.
