Brisbane Steakhouse BOS closes as chef blames taxes and red tape
Celebrity chef Adrian Richardson has shut his upscale Brisbane CBD steakhouse BOS, with co-owner Liam McMahon citing tax burdens, regulatory complexity and a sluggish night-time economy as the key drivers behind the closure.
The decision ends a difficult run for the Melbourne-based chef and McMahon, who had battled mounting pressure from the Australian Taxation Office over historical liabilities, rising alcohol excise, payroll tax obligations and weaker consumer spending. Companies linked to Richardson's restaurant group were already reported to be carrying debts exceeding $1million in 2024.
McMahon singled out alcohol levies as unsustainable. "The wet tax was significant and the beer tax keeps going up every year," he told The Courier Mail. "It was just not sustainable." He was equally critical of Queensland's regulatory environment for late-night operators. "Everybody you talk to is struggling with the red tape of running a night-time business in Queensland," McMahon said. "You can't wipe out two decades of mismanagement."
Richardson acknowledged Brisbane had proved tougher than expected, with shifting work patterns hitting CBD trade hard. "I think Brisbane is an amazing place. I've grown to love it," he said. "But it's growing very fast and competition's tough. People are spending less money and they are going out a lot less than they have been. Being a CBD restaurant, there are a lot more people working from home now."
He stopped short of predicting further closures but was candid about conditions. "It's just harder to run the business," he said. "I love Brisbane. This is heartbreaking for myself and the staff. We really put everything into making it a great venue."
On a positive note, all BOS staff have received their full wages and entitlements, and Brisbane restaurateur Michael Tassis has offered to interview affected employees. Richardson said he remained open to future opportunities in the city.
Jonathan Jackson, 26th February 2026
