Regional pubs and clubs play an important part in our communities, but constant tax hikes are putting them under immense pressure.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan this week met with Australian Hotels Association (AHA) members and local pub representatives in Lismore.
“Pubs are important gathering places – in rural and regional communities, going to the pub for a meal and a beer can be the only social interactions some people have. Not being able to afford this can affect people’s mental health,” Mr Hogan said.
“The excise on beer increased by 11 percent in 2023 alone, meaning 60 per cent of the cost of packaged full-strength beer and 47 per cent of mid-strength beer is now comprised of tax,” Mr Hogan said.
“Local pubs are currently charging around $8.60 for a schooner of Tooheys New, if these increases continue, we are on the path to a $10 schooner.”
“The excise on spirits has risen 17 per cent since 2020, with up to 63 per cent of the cost of an average bottle of spirits comprised of tax.”
“Successive, biannual increases in beer and spirits excise on alcohol now sees Australia having among the highest excises in the world.”
“I believe the excise is now untenable and is putting at risk the viability of our local pubs, and in regional and rural Australia that is a big deal.”
“I encourage the Albanese Labor Government to provide immediate cost-of-living measures for the domestic beer and spirits industry.”
