First footy, now beer: Region braces for $50m economic hit

Boags will cease their Tasmanian operations in Launceston in November after 145 years of local operation. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

Launceston leaders say the loss of the Boag's brewery will be felt across the tourism sector.

It follows the announcement last month that Hawthorn Football Club would no longer play "home" games in Launceston after the 2027 season.

The Launceston Chamber of Commerce will hold a meeting next week focusing on the city's economic future.

The loss of two mainstays of northern Tasmania's economy could cost the region a million dollars a week, local leaders say.

Tuesday's announcement that Boag's plans to stop beer production in Launceston after 145 years followed news that AFL club Hawthorn would not be extending its relationship with the city beyond 2027.

Now, business and community leaders have vowed to "get to work" to shore up the region's economic future.

Adrian Hinds has worked at Boag's Launceston brewery for almost 23 years.

He said there was a "rollercoaster of emotions" after being told on Tuesday morning that the company planned on closing its Tasmanian operation.

"It's been a slow process over a 10-year period that gradually reduced our workforce.

Aware of the pressures facing the company, Mr Hinds said Launceston staff had worked tirelessly in recent years to be as efficient as possible.

The famed northern Tasmanian brewer announces it will cease production in the state by November.

"For us to work that hard to keep this place open and then for them just to close the doors was very disappointing news," he said.

The 53-year-old said he did not know what his future held beyond November.

On top of the impact on workers and their families, the loss of Boag's is a blow for the region's tourism industry.

Brewery tours have long been one of Launceston's major tourist drawcards.

Having just played a key role in evicting what has been a model tenant for 25 years, the Devils must now deliver on the economic and social boon they've promised.

Last month, Hawthorn Football Club announced it had been forced to "transition out" of the state ahead of the Tasmania Devils' AFL entry in 2028.

The Hawks have played "home" games in Launceston since 2001.

Local councillor and business owner Alex Britton said the dual departure of both Boag's and the Hawks could cost the city more than $50 million a year.

"It's a million dollars a week. It'll definitely have a massive impact," he said.

While blindsided by the Boag's closure, Launceston community and business leaders are moving swiftly.

The Boag's brewery spans an entire