The owner of the Logan Village Hotel is backing a call by the The Australian Hotels Association (AHA), Clubs Australia and the Brewers Association for urgent action to halt the draught beer tax which increases again tomorrow.
Matt McGuire says pubs and clubs which are struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic will be dealt another hammer blow tomorrow as the tax on draught beer is increased by the biggest amount in more than 10 years.
Tomorrow’s increase will take the draught beer rate to $36.98 per litre of alcohol – a 2.1% increase for the six-month period.
Queensland Hotels Association Chief executive Bernie Hogan says: “Twice a year for 35 years pubs and drinkers have copped a tax hike on draught beer. This year – after our members have done the right thing throughout the pandemic and at a time when jobs and businesses hang in the balance – we ask that pubs and drinkers get a break,
”Every beer poured in a glass through pubs and clubs creates local jobs, brings people together and enlivens communities.
“A tax cut of 50 per cent to the current excise rate would reduce the price of a schooner by about 35 cents, turning the tap on some much-needed relief for beer drinkers and pubs.”
Brewers Association of Australia, Chief Executive John Preston, says a 50 per cent cut in draught beer would reduce the Federal Government’s revenue from alcohol tax by only $150 million a year, or around 5% of total beer taxes collected.
He says the Federal Government has an opportunity in the upcoming Federal Budget to give pubs and clubs a fighting chance. It will also provide relief for everyday beer drinkers.
“We are very concerned that on February 1, Australian beer drinkers will cop the biggest beer tax increase in more than a decade – it’s not right and it’s not sustainable. Other countries have been reducing their tax on draught beer to give pubs and beer drinkers a break.”
He says 11 million Australians visited the local pub or club at least once every three months and the industry employed hundreds of thousands of Australians.
“The industry is telling us they want to help out their patrons as well as employ more as they rebuild.”
“But the high level of tax is holding them back.”
Executive Director of Clubs Australia Josh Landis says: “The past two years have been the most challenging in the history of the club industry and the financial impact has been significant.
“A reduction in the beer excise would help clubs get back on their feet again while allowing them to keep supporting their local sporting teams, charities and other worthy community groups.”
