SOUTH Australia's wine producers should find it easier to do business and promote their wares with new laws coming into effect next week, the state government says.
SA Minister for Consumer Affairs Gail Gago said streamlining the licence application process could potentially save up to $4.2 million across the struggling wine industry.
The Australian wine industry is under stress as a result of rapid supply growth, greater competition, drought, global recession and unfavourable exchange rates.
New figures released by ABARE today show the Australian wine grape production is forecast to fall by seven per cent to 1.62 million tonnes in 2009-10 due to the heat wave in November in parts of inland south-eastern Australia.
Ms Gago says cutting the red tape involved in the licence application process would allow regional wine producers to form a collective cellar door of four or five wineries or operate from a second premises under their existing licence.
"It also enables them to participate in food markets, wine and beverage fairs without having to duplicate or gain a second licence," Ms Gago told reporters on Thursday.
"It is particularly helpful to the smaller wineries that often only have one licence at their cellar door this now allows them to participate more broadly in the market place without having to buy more licences."
Wine producers, previously limited to selling or supplying their own product, will now also be able to sell beer with a meal and provide samples of wine from other wineries at tastings.
The law changes also mean people dining out in South Australia will be able to take home unfinished wine bottles from restaurants - encouraging responsible drinking.
South Australian Wine Industry Association chief executive Brian Smedley said the reforms "provide opportunities for wine businesses to reduce operating costs, eliminate red tape and provide increased flexibility that benefits both consumers and licensees".
The changes to the Liquor Licensing Act come into effect on Monday.
