The craft beer trend is growing fast. Is it all froth and fashion, or a real moneymaker?

A deal with liquor distributor Hancocks is just the tonic Auckland-based Rogue Society Gin needs as it eyes expansion to Australia.

Lydia Sosene writes: A full-strength alcohol outlet would be a recipe for disaster and the social cost on our struggling community will continue to triple.

A local board has had to go it alone in appealing against a proposed new liquor store opposite a Mangere school, after the Auckland Council refused to back the appeal.

Auckland stripclub Calendar Girls and popular Ponsonby bar Grand Central have both had their liquor licenses temporarily suspended.

To formulate a correct solution to a problem the correct questions need to be asked.

This policy, if adopted, will see cordons go up around the alcohol section of every supermarket early in the morning and late at night, writes Cameron Brewer.

Snorted alcohol has the potential to deliver alcohol [directly] to the brain, writes Nial Wheate. "The product is clearly targeted towards the alcopops market. But there are dangers that need to be considered before such a product is made available."

Craft brewer Epic is claiming victory over brewing giant Lion in the more than $3 billion Swedish beer market.

DB Breweries is eyeing Europe as a potentially lucrative market for its Monteith's beer brand.

Christchurch teenagers not old enough to legally drink will have a say on the city's future liquor policies.

A new craft beer by Lion has been banned by a retailer because its advertising material is "an insult to a great industry".

The festive season, finds Don Kavanagh, is a license to try a few new bevvies.

The takeover of a well-known craft brewery is not all bad, notes Don Kavanagh.

Thomson's labels are well worth serious attention, says Don Kavanagh.

Don Kavanagh toasts one of this country's most successful wineries.

Choosing the right drinks to go with your barbecue this summer will make the good times even better.

Czech and US beers are vying to win over Kiwi drinkers, writes Don Kavanagh.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has defended requiring councils to wait for a year before they can use new powers over liquor licensing, saying smaller councils could not handle it.

Don Kavanagh tries to steady his nerves for a gig and some tasting at the Celtic Inn.

Chase Bickerton - from the The Naughty Penguin Bar in Queenstown - beat 370 entrants to win the biggest bartending competition in NZ history - the Beam Bar Legend. Contestants were tasked with six rounds including a formal interview, a blind tasting, an aperitivo challenge, a masterclass with Ago Perrone and two cocktail invention challenges. Check out images from the gruelling two-day final in Auckland.