Craft brewers raise a glass to the start of new microbrewery trial in the Inner West

Friday, 7 September 2018

Craft beer fans will be full of good cheer after a change in State Government regulations has made it easier for microbreweries to open and operate in the Inner West.

Since September 1, a new definition of “artisan food and drink industry” has been introduced to provide clarity for the craft food and drink industry.

The new "artisan premises authorisation" for microbreweries will be trialled for the next 12 months, only in the Inner West Council area, and rolled out across the state if it is successful.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne welcomed the trial, saying the changes finally give microbreweries the certainty they need.

“This new definition will allow local microbreweries to operate as small bars with up to 100 patrons, and make it easier for them to open, operate and grow.

“Bureaucratic red tape had been putting a brake on growth, with new brewers struggling to get development applications processed and licensing restrictions causing headaches for owners once a brewery is open.

“This move also gives brewers certainty about the space they can make available for tasting rooms as well as clarification on what products they can sell on the premises and is a huge step forward for the industry.

“Council and Inner West brewers have been fighting for this change for quite a long time and I commend the Government for listening and acting on our recommendations,” he said.

“There was a real danger that outdated regulations would drag the industry down.

“But this artisan amendment will give us the tools we need to cement the Inner West as the craft beer capital of Australia,” he added.

Check out the Inner West’s craft brewery trail here.

For further information, please contact John Roper on 0435 963 787 or john.roper@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.