Labor is taking aim at “$15 plastic cups of mainland beer and $20 hotdogs”, pushing for local food and beverage producers to have a prominent presence at the new Macquarie Point stadium.
Labor leader Dean Winter, standing alongside The Albert Brewery’s Jonathan Hess, said local businesses should be prioritised over a single major brewing company seeking exclusive pouring rights.
“We’ve got so many small local businesses in this state doing great things,” Winter said.
“We’ve got cider operators in both ends of the state, we’ve got craft breweries popping up everywhere and we’ve got the opportunity to incorporate that right from day one into our new stadium.”
Labor are pushing for a section of the new stadium set aside as a designated Tasmanian-made area.
Hess backs the idea, saying representation at the stadium would provide invaluable exposure for smaller producers like The Albert Brewery.
“From my understanding, that’s the idea of the stadium. It’s meant to benefit Tasmanians. We are Tasmanian,” he said.
Minister Felix Ellis said the government’s priority is delivering the stadium first.
“It’s really clear that we get on and deliver the stadium and then we’ll worry about beer down the track,” he said.
“But rest assured, there will be plenty of local producers that will be providing beer and other beverages at the stadium.”
Plans released by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation show retail and hospitality spaces will be spread throughout the precinct, both inside and outside the stadium.
These external venues are expected to be open beyond stadium events and could include cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants.
