MICROBREWERS say they are disappointed over a lack of representation at Festivale with sponsor James Boag's stipulating only four craft breweries can be involved.
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Under the conditions of sponsorship only Seven Sheds, the Two Metres Tall Company, Taverners Tasmanian and the Tasmanian Chilli Beer Company will take part next year.
Tasmanian Microbrewers Association president and Moo Brew head brewer Owen Johnston said he was trying to negotiate with the Festivale committee and Boag's in the hope more breweries, including his own, could be included next year.
"We've got the situation where we are getting more and more craft brewers and yet our representation at Festivale isn't growing with it," he said.
However, committee chairwoman Lou Clark said there would not be an increase in the cap for 2012.
Van Dieman Brewing head brewer Will Tatchell said his Launceston brewery had also been denied participation.
"It's disappointing in the fact that it is an emerging industry (and) there's no limit on the number of wineries involved," he said.
"There's no way a boutique brewery such as ours could pose a threat to (Boag's), they're so much bigger than us ... for them to be threatened by a small merchandiser like us, we're either doing something right or it's just ridiculous."
Ironhouse Brewery general manager Liseux Afeaki said she was also "disappointed" the East Coast brewery was excluded, despite winning best stall and most popular stall last year.
"(Festivale) is extremely important to our business because it represents a significant amount of revenue. As a microbrewer it's very rare to have the opportunity to put our product out there," she said.
"Sponsorship is very expensive ... but at the end of the day this is also a major tourism event for the state and it's not a very fair game."
Ms Clark rejected claims the cap was unfair, saying Festivale was not just about microbrewers.
"We have food and wine and other beverages ... even though some microbrewers missed out this year they may have been in last year or the year before and they're not the only ones who missed out."
Boag's did not return calls for comment.
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Should more boutique breweries be allowed at Festivale?
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