A campaign to save Launceston’s James Boag’s Brewery from closure is gaining momentum, with a petition calling on parent company Lion to sell the brand rather than shift production to the mainland reaching 2,715 signatures.
Lion, a subsidiary of Japanese beverage giant Kirin, announced on June 2 it planned to close the 145-year-old brewery by November and move brewing interstate.
The closure would cut 42 jobs directly, with the Launceston City Council estimating up to 150 people would be affected and about $30 million lost to the local economy.
Lion said the site had been operating at about a fifth of its capacity for years as Australians drink less beer.
The United Workers Union has launched a petition urging the company to halt the closure and retain brewing in Tasmania.
“If Lion no longer wants to brew Boag’s in Tasmania, it must sell the brewery and brand to someone who does,” the petition says.
Tasmanian MLC Bec Thomas has encouraged supporters to sign the petition, saying the impact would extend well beyond the 42 jobs directly at risk.
“This move will not only affect 42 workers but also has negative implications for the hospitality and tourism industry, and Boag’s proud heritage and culture,” she said.
Labor MP Josh Willie said he and Bass MP Jess Greene had met with Boag’s workers to hear their concerns firsthand.
“Their passion for their jobs, their workplace and Launceston was clear,” he said.
“We stand with Boag’s workers.”
A Lion spokesperson told Pulse the company understood the weight of its decision.
“We know this is incredibly difficult news and we are still consulting with our impacted team members in relation to this proposal,” the spokesperson said.
“As an experienced brewer, we have explored every way possible to make the brewery a viable operation in the context of long-term decline in the national beer market and significant cost inflation.”
“The Boag’s brand remains an important part of Lion’s portfolio.”
“We remain committed to supporting the brand and the community of Tasmania into the future, including through the continuing operation of the Boag’s Brewhouse, which will remain open as the home of Boag’s in Launceston.”
Lion has also promised a $500,000 fund to retrain workers who cannot be redeployed, along with another $500,000 over five years for local community groups. It will also repay a $1 million state government grant.
United Workers Union Tasmania coordinator Amy Brumby warned brewing Boag’s interstate would damage the brand.
“Nobody is going to drink a Boag’s made on the mainland – it will kill the brand,” she said.
The union has written to Premier Jeremy Rockliff urging him to intervene.
Rockliff previously said he was “extremely disappointed” by the decision.
