Small craft brewers could create more than 1,200 jobs and contribute €8 million to the Exchequer if the Government accepts a plan to cut their excise duties on Budget Day, the Minister for Finance, Mr Cowen, has been told.
Under the plan put forward by the Irish Craft Brewers' Network, small brewers would pay just 50 per cent of the existing excise rate on the first 10,000 hectolitres (220,000 gallons) and not pay the full rate until they brewed more than 60,000 hectolitres.
Ms Barbara-Anne McCabe, the craft brewers' spokesperson, stated: "Ireland once had a proud brewing tradition. Over the years, this was steadily eroded.
"We firmly believe that if our proposal for staggered excise is implemented, this brewing tradition can be restored - leading to large-scale benefits, both economically and socially."
Craft brewers pay the same excise as large brands such as Guinness, Beamish and Murphys, though staggered rates have already been introduced in the UK, Germany and the US. Over three quarters of craft brewers' output are exported, said Ms McCabe.
"This market has tremendous growth potential as craft-brewed Irish beers are appreciated abroad as a premium product."
