The owners of a Co Laois artisan brewery have appealed for Government action on licensing rules to prevent local producers from being excluded from music and other festivals.
Ballykilcavan Brewery claims that it has once again been denied the opportunity to sell its beer at this year's Electric Picnic Festival, which takes place in Stradbally this weekend.
This is because the festival has chosen a large global supplier which has exclusivity rights.
As well as the impact on it as a local business, the company says the decision also flies in the face of the festival’s stated commitment to sustainability and diversity, because sourcing beer locally reduces the environmental impact.
The brewery is located 2.5km from the site of the festival.
"It's extremely disheartening to see Electric Picnic, a festival that prides itself on supporting local culture and sustainability, completely stonewall us," said David Walsh-Kemmis, owner of Ballykilcavan Brewery.
"Supplying this festival would make a significant positive impact on our small business, securing local jobs, creating temporary positions, and boosting the local economy."
The brewery has called for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, to intervene by reviewing the licensing laws in this area.
It thinks that priority for local producers should be a requirement for permits and approvals.
A spokesperson for the minister had no comment to make on the matter.
So far Electric Picnic has not responded to a request for a comment on its approach.
Set up six years ago by David and Lisa Walsh-Kemmis, Ballykilcavan Brewery produces around 45,000 litres of beer a year, including lagers, red ales, stouts and modern IPAs.
