Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill amends the Liquor Act 1992 to create a new artisan producer licence tailored for Queensland's independent craft brewers and artisan distillers. It allows these small producers to sell their products on-premises, online, by wholesale, and at promotional events like farmers markets. The bill was introduced to support the industry's recovery from COVID-19, which saw nationwide craft brewery sales drop by 67 per cent.
Who it affects
Craft brewers and artisan distillers gain a fit-for-purpose licence with streamlined trading rights. Consumers benefit from greater access to locally produced beer and spirits at venues and events across Queensland.
Key changes
- Creates a new artisan producer licence for craft brewers (2,500–5,000,000L beer) and artisan distillers (400–450,000L spirits) who are at least 80% independently owned
- Allows on-premises consumption (10am–midnight), takeaway sales (10am–10pm), wholesale, and online orders under the new licence
- Permits the sale of craft beer and artisan spirits samples at promotional events such as farmers markets and festivals, with volume limits set by regulation
- Licensees can sell other Queensland artisan liquor products and Queensland wine alongside their own products in their taproom or tasting room
- Application fees waived for existing producer/wholesaler licensees transitioning to the new licence before 30 June 2021
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Introduced26 Nov 2020View Hansard
Vote on a motion
Vote on urgency motion to declare the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill urgent and bypass committee scrutiny, with all remaining stages to be considered next sitting week. The opposition argued the bill deserved proper committee review, particularly given retrospective local government amendments affecting council vacancies in Rockhampton and Townsville.
The motion was agreed to.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (49)
Noes (38)
▸Committee26 Nov 2020View Hansard
Referred to Legal Affairs and Safety Committee
The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 over approximately three months, receiving three submissions and holding a public briefing and public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The Australian Distillers Association strongly supported the bill, while the Independent Brewers Association raised concerns about takeaway sales restrictions, contract brewing provisions, and the definition of promotional events. The Queensland Coalition for Action on Alcohol raised harm minimisation concerns, which the Department of Justice and Attorney-General addressed by pointing to existing safeguards in the Liquor Act.
Key findings (5)
- The Australian Distillers Association strongly supported the bill, noting it would remove barriers to growth and help the industry recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
- The Independent Brewers Association raised concerns that the bill did not allow takeaway sales of other producers' products, did not accommodate contract or multi-site brewing, and had an overly narrow definition of 'promotional event'.
- The Queensland Coalition for Action on Alcohol cautioned about increased alcohol availability and the normalisation of drinking at events such as farmers markets, but the Department considered existing harm minimisation measures adequate.
- The committee was satisfied that the bill's offence provisions contained proportionate penalties and that the Commissioner's increased powers were sufficiently defined and subject to review by QCAT.
- The committee found the bill compatible with human rights, concluding that any limitation on the right to recognition and equality before the law was reasonable and demonstrably justified.
Recommendations (1)
- The committee recommends that the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading9 Mar 2021View Hansard
▸34 members spoke34 support
Introduced the bill as Attorney-General, creating a new artisan producer licence to support craft brewers and distillers with streamlined licensing and expanded market access.
“The bill before the House creates a new 'commercial other—artisan producer licence' under the Liquor Act to support Queensland's burgeoning artisan liquor sector.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Announced LNP support for the bill while highlighting concerns about the slow pace of the legislation, the lack of a regulatory impact statement, and restrictions on takeaway sales and promotional events.
“The LNP will be supporting the bill, but we will highlight some of our concerns and reflect on the process that has ever so slowly led to this legislation being put before the House today.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as the minister responsible for craft brewing, noting it delivers on the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy and creates opportunities for industry growth.
“The primary objective of the bill is to make important changes to the Liquor Act 1992 to support Queensland craft brewers and artisan distillers by creating a new artisan liquor licence.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as deputy chair of the committee but criticised the government for moving too slowly, noting the industry had been calling for support for almost a year.
“These amendments are welcomed, but for some they have come far too late and for others they do not go far enough.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as committee chair, noting the committee recommended passage and welcoming ongoing consultation with the industry.
“I support the committee's recommendation and I commend the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 to the House.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, welcoming benefits for craft brewers while acknowledging concerns about takeaway restrictions and contract brewing limitations.
“The artisan community is special and works hard to protect and grow our regions.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member, emphasising the balance between supporting small business and maintaining harm minimisation measures.
“This bill simply provides a boost for those smaller players and local businesses.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting craft breweries are tied to localities and serve as an engine for local growth, while criticising the government's slow legislative response.
“The LNP is relieved to see that the necessary amendment bill has finally made it to the stage of debate and the LNP will be supporting these amendments.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Briefly supported the bill, declaring her husband owns a craft brewing business and welcoming the proposed changes.
“The bill before the House today, introduced by the Palaszczuk government, will support these small and medium sized businesses to grow even further.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member, noting broad industry support while expressing concern about the annual data return requirements and missed opportunities around IGA partnerships.
“The bill is generally very positive. As has been said by the shadow Attorney-General, the LNP will be supporting it.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as Minister for Agriculture, highlighting the BrewLab investment and the growing craft beer industry's contribution to the Queensland economy.
“We could see this industry create more than 100 extra jobs and grow to a $100 million industry within three years.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill while calling for a bigger vision and strategy to expand artisan producers into export markets, and urging government support for food manufacturing hubs.
“I believe there is much that is positive in this bill even though, as we have alluded, there are still opportunities to improve the regulations around this industry.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member, noting it will help the industry recover from the 67 per cent drop in sales during COVID.
“These amendments are geared towards support for small independent producers and guards against larger companies manipulating the system through ownership of multiple craft breweries.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting local craft breweries in Kawana and calling for more state government support for small business operators rather than multinational companies.
“I support the legislation. I also support commentary with respect to having a watching brief on this in the future, seeing where we can further support our small businesses.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, acknowledging the craft brewing industry's economic contribution and the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses like Ballistic Brewery.
“The bill before us acknowledges the craft brewing industry's growing economic contribution to the Queensland economy.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting it will bring the niche industry into the 21st century and place Queensland on a level playing field with other states, particularly for online sales.
“This bill has been a long time coming, and the opposition could talk for hours about how it should have been introduced earlier. However, both sides of government had ample opportunity to introduce legislation over the past decade.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, emphasising the role of craft brewing as part of Queensland's events, tourism and community life.
“I have always said to them that they work with a science; it is a science for everyday working Queensland men and women.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as shadow minister for small business, noting the reforms could make the difference between a business surviving or dying.
“These are welcome reforms which will hopefully simplify the regulatory arrangements for artisan producers across the state.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting Queensland's success in national craft beer rankings and the importance of the new licence for industry growth.
“Today we raise a glass to Queensland craft brewers and say 'cheers' to our artisan distillers.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill on balance despite criticising the onerous record-keeping requirements and disproportionate penalties, noting one or two great provisions.
“The proposed penalties in this bill are outrageous and should be deleted. However, the bill does have one or two great provisions and will be moderately beneficial. For that reason, I have decided that I will be supporting the bill.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting it addresses craft washing concerns and gets the balance right between removing red tape and ensuring harm minimisation.
“I think this legislation is a wonderful step forward for our craft brewers and craft distillers.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the opportunity for microbreweries in North Queensland and praising the legislation for cutting red tape.
“The KAP supports the bill.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting the contribution of local artisan producers to the Ipswich economy and the importance of the new licence for small business growth.
“Our government is firmly behind our craft brewers and artisan distillers and we want to see the industry grow.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting Granddad Jack's distillery in his electorate and the importance of the legislation for the tourism industry.
“I cannot help but support the wonderful piece of small business legislation that is before the House.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Gave wholehearted support to the bill while cautioning that it needs to be implemented fairly by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation to actually help small businesses.
“We will be supporting the bill. I hope the government can bring in more red-tape-cutting legislation in relation to this industry and many others into the future.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as Minister for Small Business, framing it as helping remove barriers to growth for artisan producers and supporting economic recovery from COVID.
“That is exactly what this bill does; it helps remove barriers to growth. It will support craft brewers and artisan distillers to establish and grow successful businesses in Queensland.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting Black Hops brewery in his electorate and welcoming the changes as long overdue while noting IBA concerns about rigid event definitions.
“One of the owners of Black Hops said that these changes are long overdue.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as consistent with the government's approach to tackling alcohol fuelled violence while backing jobs in the emerging craft brewing industry.
“It backs jobs not just in infrastructure and the production process but also ongoing jobs in services and hospitality.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill while calling for further regulatory reform including allowing independent grocers to sell local artisan products, and urging ongoing monitoring of the regulations.
“I think this is a good start. Let us keep on the journey.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as Minister for Education, highlighting the many craft breweries in her electorate and welcoming the bipartisan support.
“In this bill we have listened to small business.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as a way to diversify Gold Coast tourism and give employment opportunities in the craft brewing industry.
“I wholeheartedly support this bill. It will help diversify the tourism industry on the Gold Coast.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, listing artisan brewers and distillers in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and welcoming the bipartisan support.
“What this important legislation means in my region is jobs, support for mum-and-dad businesses and markets for our unique products.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill based on conversations with local distillers and brewers in Bundaberg who had been unable to sell their products at festivals and promotional events under existing rules.
“This is a bill that frees restrictions on innovators, investors and businesses wishing to expand their business and create more local jobs.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting two innovative breweries in his electorate including one using renewable energy in its brewing processes.
“This legislation is all about supporting innovative Queensland businesses and industry because that is what we do on this side of the House.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Assent date: 15 March 2021