ABFI: Drinks industry welcomes Breweries and Distilleries Bill
The Breweries and Distilleries Bill is progressing through the Oireachtas, which, if passed, will allow microbreweries and independent distilleries to sell their products on the same premises they are producded. This would give them a significant boost in terms of tourism, alongside the local areas they are based in.
Print16 February 2018
Following the progression of the Breweries and Distilleries Bill, allowing craft brewers and distillers to sell their produce onsite to visitors, the ABFI has welcomed it, stating its potential to support tourism and Ireland’s small drinks businesses. There more than 100 micro-breweries and 18 distilleries in operation in Ireland.
The Federation stated its intention to engage with the Department of Justice & Equality to ensure the Bill benefits all small distilleries and breweries, it also said that its positive impact could still be undercut by the separate Alcohol Bill. The advertising and marketing restrictions in that Bill would have a detrimental impact on those same breweries and distilleries.
We welcome the Government’s recognition of the growing contribution of craft breweries and distilleries to the Irish economy,” said Patricia Callahan, ABFI direcetor. “The Breweries and Distilleries Bill is a progressive and important piece of legislation.”
The director acknowledged TDs Alan Kelly and Charlie Flanagan for their support for the Bill and these small businesses, before warning once again about the Alcohol Bill’s negative consequences.
“The evidence shows that the labelling proposals will make it difficult to introduce new products to the Irish market,” Callahan said, “putting Ireland at a regulatory divergence from everywhere else in the EU. Additionally, the Government’s efforts to severely restrict the promotion and advertising of the drinks industry could kill advertising of craft breweries and distilleries.
“While the drinks industry supports the objectives of the Alcohol Bill, to tackle harmful drinking and underage consumption, any measure introduced should be rooted in evidence and should not unfairly impact an important Irish industry.
“We believe there is scope for reasonable amendments to the legislation and are calling on the Government to balance the bill,” she said.
Related Articles
Gin is in the pink with latest ABFI report →
Fans 0
Followers