Pubs could struggle further as punters turn away from high-priced beer
Australian beer drinkers face the biggest tax hike in 30 years.
From today, the price of a pot, schooner and pint will increase as hospitality owners now face a 4 per cent index-linked tax increase.
The price of a keg will rise about $4 to around $74, while a pint will cost punters nearly $15, with tax rising from 80 cents to 84 cents.
Australia has the fourth highest beer tax in the world, with tax increases twice a year.
The beer lobby has asked the Australian government to slash the tax in the October budget, although this is unlikely due to the current budget deficit.
“We thought there was a real opportunity at the last federal budget to cut the beer tax,” John Preston of the Brewers Association told Nine's Today show.
“We had a lot of support and we were really disappointed that didn't happen. There was a real opportunity there.
“The federal government can step in and do something about it and we'll be talking to the new government about this as we approach the budget in October.
“But also more generally as we move forward - as these increases keep happening.”
Another hike is expected in February 2023, just as inflation hits over 7%.
“Australians are taxed on beer more than almost any other nation,” Preston said.
“Sadly, we're now seeing the effect as pub patrons will soon be faced with the prospect of regularly paying around $15 for a pint at their local.”
Struggling pubs now struggle more as pub patrons cut their budgets tighter as rising costs hit the family budget.
Irit Jackson, 1st August 2022
