Small breweries have had a win after the state government changed eligibility criteria for its $251 million hospitality venue fund.
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Brewers who hold a producers licence will now be able to access funding relief through the program that was previously only open to businesses with a standard liquor licence.
The previous criteria left brewers who only held a producer's licence unable to receive any of the support funding despite being affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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"We've listened to brewery businesses and acknowledged that the guidelines needed to change," business support and recovery minister Martin Pakula said.
"This will help businesses across the state to consolidate and recover as we continue to steadily re-open the economy. I would encourage all businesses to head to the Business Victoria website to see what support is available to them."
Shedshaker Brewing in Castlemaine is one regional business that will benefit from the new eligibility criteria.
Owner Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said it made sense to have all licensed venues eligible for the fund.
"All the licenced venues should be operating form a even keel," she said. "People love craft breweries and would hate to think any of them are being discriminated against.
"Small producers contribute so much to small communities. It was good (so many people) got together as a collective and communicated with one voice.
"The funding is less for regional Victoria than is for metropolitan areas but in the current climate, every dollar helps."
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Grants of up to $30,000 are available. The state government will email invitations to apply from November 2 through the address used to sign up for an eLicence.
Applications for funds are open until November 23 or funds are exhausted, whichever is earlier.