Microbrewers plead for tax breaks

MICROBREWERIES could get generous tax concessions under a plan being considered by the Federal Government to help the industry compete with beer giants Foster's and Lion Nathan.

Small breweries are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with their much larger rivals as consumers cut back on discretionary spending and opt for cheaper, mass produced beer.

While lobbying by the microbreweries about this important issue has been going on for some time, the most encouraging aspect of this article which appeared in today's Melbourne Age newspaper is the Federal government's noted response.