Heavy beer drinkers force Kirin Brewery to charge for factory tours

Overconsumption of beer during free tastings in factory tours forced Kirin Brewery Co. to charge participants 500 yen beginning Oct. 1.

The change is intended to prevent visitors from repeatedly returning for free beer tastings.

A Kirin Brewery official noted that some participants sign up for free factory tours with free beer sampling for the sole purpose of overconsuming alcohol.

Kirin Brewery is the first among Japan's four leading beer makers to charge for a factory tour.

The company, which would still serve a glass of beer for each visitor, also considered the surging pandemic in its decision.

The policy change applies to nine factories, including in Fukuoka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Yokohama.

Factory tour remains free for those aged 19 or younger who will not be served beer.

The company will announce future tour details depending on how the health crisis plays out.