To ask the Minister for the Economy for (i) her assessment of the benefits of local brewery, distilliery, cidery and winery tap houses for Northern Ireland tourism growth and recovery; and (ii) what engagement she has had with the Minister for Communities in regards to liquor licensing legislation to promote these as part of the Northern Ireland food and drink tourism offer.

I am aware Northern Ireland has a strong history of brewing, distilling and fermenting, and the renaissance in craft drink production is revitalising our rural communities and creating jobs across all regions of Northern Ireland.

Recent investment demonstrates great confidence in this vitally important aspect of the visitor economy, which has a fundamental role in attracting visitors back to Northern Ireland by offering more reasons to stay longer and to spend more.

The Experience Development Programme 2020/21, an almost £5m capital grants programme launched by Tourism NI in 2020, is supporting tourism businesses to enhance the experience they offer to visitors.

Tourism NI has been working closely with the craft drinks sector to increase capacity, collaboration and communication amongst the distillery network, with a view to developing a distillery trail under the overarching brand of ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’. This programme is designed to increase the regional spread of visitors to Northern Ireland and, having commenced in January 2021, brings together a collaborative network of eleven Northern Irish distilleries.

The Department for Communities Liquor Licensing (Amendment), which obtained Royal Assent on 26 August 2021, introduces a new category of premises for local alcohol producers. I believe these changes will enhance the visitor experience of Northern Ireland as a modern tourism destination, and support the competitiveness and growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors’ contribution to the local economy.