Yahoo Finance $15 a pint: Beer tax increase set to see prices soar
The ‘beer tax’ has gone up another 4 per cent and consumers are set to pay the price.
From today, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has increased the excise duty rates pubs and clubs must pay on the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
The hike means Aussies could end up paying around $15 for a pint of beer.
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Brewers Association of Australia chief executive John Preston said the increase was the biggest in more than 30 years.
“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.”
The tax on a keg will rise by around $4, meaning the tax for a pint will rise from 80 cents to 84 cents.
Preston called on the Albanese Government to slash the beer tax to help reduce costs for businesses and consumers.
“This is a problem that the new Treasurer has inherited from its [the Government’s] predecessors and there are many competing demands on the Budget,” Preston said.
“Nonetheless, we believe there is a strong case for beer tax relief to be provided by the new Federal Government – with the hidden beer tax to go up again in February 2023.”
Preston said Australia had the fourth-highest beer tax in the world and the hike was set to affect around 11 million Aussie beer drinkers.
“This is not sustainable for pubs and clubs,” he said.
“It’s also not fair for everyone who enjoys the great Australian pastime of having a beer with their friends at their local.
“Ninety-nine per cent of draught beer consumed in Australia is brewed here.
“The Australian beer industry supports over 100,000 jobs through its supply chain – from barley and hops production, great manufacturing jobs, and people employed in pubs and clubs throughout Australia.”
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