Australia: More than 20 craft breweries have entered voluntary administration or liquidation over the past year

This week, Melbourne’s Burnley Brewing has announced that it has entered into liquidation, marking a continuation of a now well-established trend that has seen more than 20 breweries enter into either voluntary administration or liquidation over the past year alone, Drinks Trade reported on September 11.

According to an update published to ASIC, “notice is given that at a general meeting of the members of the Company held on 09 September 2024, it was resolved that the Company be wound up and that Con Kokkinos be appointed liquidator(s).”

Shortly prior to this on 3 September and 5 August respectively, Prancing Pony Brewery Apollo Bay Brewery both revealed that they had appointed restructuring practitioners to improve the economic viabilities of the companies. The Burnley, Prancing Pony, and Apollo Bay news follows on from Margaret River’s Black Brewery Co and Brew Barons (trading as Parched West End) permanently shutting their doors in July.

In a statement issued to social media, Burnley Brewing said that the decision to wind up its taproom operations, originally announced last month, has been made due to circumstances beyond the breweries control.

“We are feeling for staff across our production, sales and hospitality teams who put so much of themselves into making Burnley successful and are processing this situation,” said Burnley Brewing in its statement to social media.

“Despite their immense dedication and hard work, circumstances beyond their control have led to this difficult decision. Our thoughts are also with our taproom customers who are impacted by our closure. We certainly did not anticipate 2024 unfolding this way.”

Burnley Brewing will continue to operate its taproom for heavily discounted takeaway sales for an undetermined period of time: “We’re uncertain how long takeaway operations will continue for, please pop in soon to avoid missing out,” said the brewery.

In more positive news, Dainton Beer – operated by Daicom Australia Pty Ltd – has successfully managed to reopen its on-premise venues weeks after being forced to close due a legal issue that saw its liquor license lapsed. As a result of this legal issue, Dainton has been forced to place Daicom into liquidation and operate under a separate entity.

“DBA Reconstruction & Advisory, as Liquidator, is supporting the ongoing trading of Dainton Beer, operating under licence,” read a statement by the appointed liquidators.

“Dainton’s employees and customers should consider it business as usual. There will be no immediate impact on Dainton’s beer production and taphouse operations at Carrum Downs and Croydon.

Deeds Brewing has also announced that it will be temporarily reopening after entering into liquidation in May. As part of this temporary relaunch, Deeds’ Melbourne taproom will remain open until February and will feature a series of new limited-edition beers and menu items.

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