Overview
- Lion announced on Tuesday that the James Boag's brewery in Launceston will cease beer production by November 2026 and transfer brewing to mainland Australia.
- The closure will directly affect 42 full‑time workers, with some offered interstate redeployment and others facing redundancy.
- Lion has committed to repay the $1 million Tasmanian government contribution for the Brewhouse and to provide $500,000 for worker reskilling and $500,000 for local grassroots support.
- Local leaders and unions expressed deep disappointment, warned of millions in regional economic loss, and said they will press for advocacy, planning and possible sale or redevelopment of the prominent two‑hectare riverside site.
- Lion cites long‑term national declines in beer volumes and high operating and shipping costs that left the Launceston plant at roughly one‑fifth capacity, a trend industry groups say reflects broader pressure on Australian brewers while rivals such as Asahi have chosen to invest to keep Tasmanian production running.