One of Australia’s oldest brewing sites is set to stop making beer.

Lion has announced that brewing will cease at the historic James Boag Brewery in Launceston later this year, ending 145 years of beer production at the site. The move is expected to affect 42 jobs, with production shifting to Lion breweries on the mainland.

The good news is that the recently redeveloped Boag’s Brewhouse visitor centre will remain open as the home of the James Boag brand in Tasmania.

For many beer drinkers, this is more than just another brewery closure. James Boag has been brewing in Launceston since the 1880s and remains one of Australia’s most recognisable beer brands.

It’s another reminder of the challenges facing large and small breweries alike as Australia’s beer market continues to evolve