Breaking: Boag's to cease beer production in Tasmania

Boag's to cease beer production in Tasmania as it completes move to mainland Tue 2 Jun 2026 at 10:39am Iconic northern Tasmanian brewer James Boag's has announced it will cease production in the state by November. Parent company Lion Australia had previously shifted production to the mainland for Boag's products sold in those states, but kept brewing in Tasmania for local supply. The brewer says it will pay back a $1 million Tasmanian government loan that was announced in 2023 to help keep the Launceston brewery visitor centre and tours open. The brewery opened in Launceston in 1881. Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alina Bain told ABC Mornings the news was "devastating" for Tasmania's north. "It's such an iconic brand in Launceston, and it's going to be felt very deeply," she said. "It's really difficult news, and we're just processing it now." She said market conditions for beer had "been in decline". "And then of course, increasing costs are causing difficulty," Ms Bain said. She said it would be "incredibly challenging" for the 42 people employed at the Launceston brewery. Loading