Irish craft brewers celebrate as the Dáil approves new drinks bill

Glasses were raised in celebration last night as Labour TD Alan Kelly’s Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries & Distilleries) Bill was passed by the Daíl and now awaits Michael D. Higgins’ presidential assent.
It’s brilliant news for Ireland’s independent craft brewers who’ll finally be able to sell their beer direct to the public onsite.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that my Craft Drinks Bill has become law,” Kelly enthuses. “I want to thank all the craft brewers in Ireland for their overwhelming support. A big shout out to Cuiláin Loughnane and the White Gypsy Brewery for inspiring me to legislate for this.”
Among those congratulating Alan Kelly have been the Dungarvan Brewing Company, Four Provinces, O’Hara’s, West Kerry Brewery, The Porterhouse, Wicklow Wolf, Eight Degrees and Galway Bay.
It’s onwards and upwards now for Ireland’s craft brewers whose praises you’ll regularly find us singing in Hot Press!

New bill will mean we can get a license to sell our beer to the public at the brewery (currently wholesale only). On sales aligned to tours, off sales not.

— Dungarvan Brewing Co (@dungarvanbrewco) July 12, 2018

Míle buíochas Alan. Rud iontach déanta agat féin agus Cualáin. Férplé! Tar go Camaigh am ar bith agus beidh fáilte uí Cheallaigh romhat I gcónaí!!

— Four Provinces (@fourprovinces) July 12, 2018

Thank You Alan. This really will help educate consumers to the varied possibilities of independent alcohol producers . https://t.co/91YQw5NjMk https://t.co/91YQw5NjMk

— West Kerry Brewery (@westkerrybeer) July 12, 2018