Ms Elisabeth Ryan:

Independent Craft Brewers Ireland has not commented on very much outside of what is done by craft breweries because we do not necessarily think it is our place. The one thing that I would see overall, having worked in hospitality for many years as well, is that there is undue complication in the legislation. We welcome the simplification process that is in place at the moment.

I would say the following about nearly everything within the Bill: we should not legislate against bad actors in the whole process in order to not simplify this area to the utmost extent. Instead, we should have a system of checks and balances in place, such as they are now, and utilise them to make sure the selling of alcohol happens in a responsible fashion. We are all aware that staff need training and certain things need to be in place but we want the market freed up a little. Obviously my organisation represents producers of craft beer and we clearly want our product to be widely available. We are looking for a way that people can sell the wonderful and amazing product that they produce. Many of our producers are often demonised in the whole process when really they are just trying to work alongside the producers of craft food within their communities, sell a really nice handmade product, show people their story and take them through it. Our members just want to be allowed to do that in a fashion that is not too restrictive and does not impose silly, unnecessary regulations. We want common sense to be used to physically legislate for this, as opposed to being in written legislation, while also having checks and balances in place.

ICBI genuinely welcomes the Bill because there is much in it that is aimed towards a much more modern and simpler system. I say that because some of the laws in the Bill date back to 1887, and reference her majesty the Queen and things like that. Overall, we welcome the Bill. ICBI seeks the fairest channel in which producers of craft beer can sell it in an easy fashion.