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BOOZE TAX BLOW Pub owner tells how crippling beer tax is “slowly killing” local businesses
COLLABORATIVE EFFORT THE HIVE at Brown Brother’s Milawa site was officially opened last week with art painted by four young women a brilliant feature of the building’s exterior. Pictured are Indi MP Helen Haines, winemaker Katherine Brown, and CEO Cameron McFarlane. Story page 2.
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A COLD one from the bar is becoming more and more of a luxury people are struggling to afford according to one local business owner, as the latest beer tax came into effect this week. The biannual alcohol excise increase occurs every February and August and is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has nudged the pub beer tax to $43.39 per litre for beer exceeding 3.5 per cent. The 3.5 per cent increase on the price of beer also comes with the rise on spirits and other excisable beverages to $104.31 per litre of alcohol, from $103.89. Owner of the Town and Country Tavern and Westside Tavern Shayne Gannon said price increases at the establishments were finalised on Tuesday, which will see the price of a beer on tap rise around 10 to 20 cents depending on the size. A much larger increase was applied to spirits and premixed drinks on tap, like Hard Rated and Canadian Club, which Ms Gannon said have gone up more than $12 a keg. “I think it’s very slowly
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
killing an industry that forms a big part of the Australian landscape,” she said. “The ability to be able to go and have a beer on tap in a pub in Australia is so much a part of our community and culture and it’s becoming a luxury. “There’s a lot of people who can’t afford to go down to the local pub for a meal and a drink because these sort of price increases are taking that availability away. “We’re going to see more and more pubs and restaurants closing their doors, certainly in regional areas it’s becoming very difficult and very competitive.” As of last year, the excise on beer and spirits had increased more than 17 per cent since the beginning of the pandemic. Ms Gannon said her businesses endeavour to be open about the incoming price rises to their customers. ■ Continued page 4
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