Northern Irish craft brewers seek licensing reform

Craft brewers in Northern Ireland are campaigning for a change in the region's licensing laws to help the industry's continuing growth.

They want the devolved Northern Ireland Executive to allow them to be able to sell on-line, from their own premises and at the many farmers' and food markets across Northern Ireland.

A group of craft brewers have already met Northern Ireland Assembly members to press their case for help that will enable them to sell freely alongside other artisan food producers, without a special licence. They have argued that the existing legislation is outdated and is inhibiting the development of what has become one of the most dynamic sectors of artisan food production in Northern Ireland.

The region currently has almost 40 craft breweries producing a wide range of ales, beers and stouts for the local market, with several selling in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and further afield.

The campaign to modernise the licensing laws is being supported by Food NI, the region's food promotion body, as well as Hospitality Ulster.

The group has also worked with the Northern Ireland Executive and the Assembly to address some of the issues brought into sharp focus during Year of Food and Drink. Restrictive licensing hours have become one of the most pressing issues to have an impact on tourism.

Michele Shirlow, Food NI chief executive, says. "Events such as the BBC Good Food Show, which was held in Belfast in October for the first time, highlighted the adverse impact of licensing laws on smaller producers such as craft breweries and distilleries, many of which had expressed an interest in participating but found they were unable to sell products to the public.

"There's a need to enable smaller breweries to sell on-line, in-house and at exhibitions and country markets. Research among tourists shows that one of the top five most desirable experiences for holidaymakers is visiting a craft brewery or small distillery.

The pressure for change in Northern Ireland comes as the Republic is considering a relaxation in licensing laws to aid 'craft-beer tourism'.

Ireland's microbreweries employ 439 full-time workers, with an estimated 392 people also indirectly employed in the industry. Microbreweries are in operation in 23 of the 26 counties, with a projected turnover of €59 million euro this year. However, 'craft-beer tourism' is hampered by current licensing regulations, which require producers to have a pub license or an off-licence to sell their produce.