Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie praised Scotland’s independent brewers and pubs as positive forces in their community during a presentation at The Brewers’ Law and Information Symposium, run by Scottish law firm TLT in Glasgow this week (24 January).
The Glasgow politician also unveiled his plans to establish a cross-party group that will aim to ensure the dialogue used in government around alcohol, brewers and the licensed trade in Scotland is more positive.
Harvie (pictured above) said, “If we genuinely want to talk about having a better relationship with alcohol in Scotland, I think we need to move the debate about alcohol away from the knee jerk reaction and overreaction about the “the demon drink” towards something more positive and constructive.
“Right now there is a cross-party group being formed on beer and pubs and I’m working with a range of members who want to great a discussion about the positive value beer, brewers and pubs can play in our communities.”
#blis great event TLT showed why they are the go to firm for brewers/licensing @LicensingLaws @niall_hassard @petecheema @TBAScot
— SGF (@ScotGrocersFed) January 24, 2017
The free one-day information and networking event held at Drygate featured discussions, talks and networking opportunities for over 100 brewers, publicans and lawyers who attended from across Scotland.
It was “the first of its kind in Scotland” according to organisers TLT, which specialises in providing licensing law advice to Scotland’s brewers and publicans.
And a full house of eager delegates, great turnout @TLT_LLP @drygate #blis @michaelmcdx @niall_hassard pic.twitter.com/02HaiPPvip
— Stephen McGowan (@LicensingLaws) January 24, 2017
TLT Parter Stephen McGowan, told DRAM, “The idea was to bring everyone together who were involved in the craft beer industry and give them some free advice, and an opportunity to learn from each other.”
He added, “The number of fantastic, independent craft brewers is continuing to rise and a number of independent pubs and bars in Scotland have made real efforts to introduce craft beer ranges and real ale ranges.
“Customers are becoming more interested in provenance and local products. It’s encouraging to see people in the licensed trade making bold moves to provide a significant range of local and international craft beers, and that they recognise supporting local craft brewers is mutually beneficial.”
The event covered a range of issues affecting small craft brewers and independent publicans, including speakers on subjects such as licensing laws for pop-ups and start-ups, how breweries can benefit from biofuel and renewable opportunities, managing growth and what to expect when taking on a pub lease.
Next up at #BLIS is @BrewDogDave discussing pouring pints as well as brewing them @Brewdog @TLT_LLP pic.twitter.com/yCLuZzPLdb
— Stephen McGowan (@LicensingLaws) January 24, 2017
In 2015, Harvie tried to amend a Bill to ensure Licensing Boards took account of social and cultural life when reviewing licenses, driven by the closure of Glasgow club and art venue The Arches. But his amendment was heavily defeated in the Scottish Parliament by 109 votes to 9.
Harvie added, “During the debate over last licensing legislation I was trying to argue that as well as the existing purposes of the legislation we should have one that is representative of social, economic and cultural value of well-run pubs and licensed premises in our society.
“I hope that’s something the cross-party group will be able to achieve, as we need to support the growth and rich diversity of independent brewers and small independent pubs.”
The Brewers' Law and Info Symposium at Drygate, great talks from fantastic Brewers and some legal dynamos, exciting stuff! @LicensingLaws
— Laurie McGarva (@LaurieMcGarva) January 25, 2017
Harvie also issued a rallying call to people in the trade to tell their MSPs and government what they could be doing better to help emphasise the positive value of the alcohol industry in Scotland, including its consumption.
Paul Fallen, founder of Fallen Brewing Co, was another one of the speakers. He spoke about managing quick growth – as the Fallen brewery has enjoyed rapid growth in the past few years.
He said, “You don’t often get a room of people together with this much combined expertise so actually just having that audience and getting to talk directly with a variety of licensing lawyers, accountants and experienced brewers in one place is fantastic”
Next speaker is Paul Fallen @FallenBrewCo at #BLIS who is talking about 'managing growth' @TLT_LLP @drygate pic.twitter.com/UMTzbkRLw5
— Stephen McGowan (@LicensingLaws) January 24, 2017
Main image credit: Ric Lander CC BY-SA 3.0
