Representatives of Northern Ireland's drinks industry met in Belfast on Monday, January 13, to review key issues affecting the sector ahead of Brexit. The meeting was convened by Drinks Ireland, which has 11 member companies that have brewing, distilling, bottling or distribution operations in Northern Ireland.
Drinks Ireland director Patricia Callan stated, "From global superstar brands such as Baileys Irish Cream and Bushmills Irish Whiskey to newer artisan gin brands such as Shortcross and Jawbox, the Northern Irish drinks industry consistently punches above its weight on the world scene, while making a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy."
Lobbying Plans
Over the coming months, Drinks Ireland will be lobbying for:
- Increased funding for Invest NI and Tourism NI to expand their respective export and tourism promotion activities in the context of Brexit;
- A reform of liquor licensing law to provide more flexibility to brewery and distillery centres to enhance their tourism and hospitality offering;
- And a reduction of Northern Ireland's corporate tax rate and measure to improve business competitiveness in Northern Ireland
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
