The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) brought together brewers and MLAs at the Belfast Beer Festival at two roundtable events to discuss how new legislation on licensing can help Northern Ireland's brewing industry thrive.
The roundtables focused on how the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill, which is currently making its way through the Assembly, should include a new ‘sell at source' licence to provide greater flexibility for brewers and cider producers. The proposal has the support of a number of MLAs from across the political spectrum.
Brewers highlighted to MLAs how under current legislation they cannot hold a ‘premises licence', which means they cannot sell their product on site or online. They are also prevented from applying for occasional licences to take part in events such as farmers' markets or food and drink festivals, including the BBC Good Food Show, which has a huge impact on their ability to grow their business.
Tim Page, Chief Executive of CAMRA, was invited to give oral evidence to the Committee for Communities on Thursday. The Committee indicated that they would be proposing an amendment to the bill which will introduce a ‘producer's license' to support brewers and cider producers on this issue.
Page said, 'It is very encouraging that the MLAs we've spoken to recognise the importance of this proposal, which would enable artisan producers in Northern Ireland to sell their products directly to customers. It makes no sense that they are currently unable to do so, which damages them and the country's economy - particularly when there is such interest in craft brewing and cider production amongst local residents and visitors.'
William Mayne, from Bullhouse Brewery, said, 'The landscape and provenance of the rolling County Down drumlins are a big draw for tourists, and are part of the reason why we established the brewery where we did. By allowing us to apply for a premises license, it will be viable for us to open the brewery to the public, increasing tourism and local interest in the brewing tradition.'
The brewers who attended the roundtable discussions, which took place at the Belfast Beer and Cider Festival, will be lobbying their local elected representatives on this issue in the coming weeks. The Festival, which is taking place at the Ulster Hall, is open until Saturday evening - and features a wide range of draft beers and ciders from across Ireland.