A beer at your local pub is expected to skyrocket with Australia’s tax on beer going up yet again with this week’s increase being the largest in more than three decades.
The bi-annual indexation brought in on Monday, August 1 will see a 4 per cent increase, with beer costs rising from $53.59 to $55.73 per litre of pure alcohol.
Beer lovers are expected to see their schooner and pints rise in price soon.
Brewers Association of Australia CEO John Preston says Australians are taxed on beer more than almost any other nation with almost 20 increases in Australia’s beer tax during the past decade.
“Brewers and pub and club operators were extremely disappointed the former government did not deliver on a proposed reduction in beer tax at this year’s March budget,” he says.
“Sadly, we’re now seeing the impact as pub patrons will soon be faced with the prospect of regularly paying around $15 for a pint at their local.
“For a small pub, club or other venue the latest tax hike will mean an increase of more than $2,700 a year in their tax bill – at a time when they are still struggling to deal with the on-going impacts of the pandemic.”
Mapleton Public House new owner Jessica Huddart has only just taken on the reins of the 113-year-old hinterland staple – formerly known as Mapleton Tavern – and says everything is rising in costs.
“Hopefully it won’t be too much of a shock for everyone,” she says.
“We have had price increases in the kitchen for months now and just the consistency of supply has been really hard. That’s labor shortages, price of fuel.
“It’s going to get harder before it gets better.”
Right now, you can get a schooner of Great Northern for $7.60 at the Mapleton Public House, but that will increase by the end of the week.
But Ms Huddart is optimistic about the future as she slowly updates the popular venue but retains its heritage feel.
“I do believe people want to head out and want to have experiences where they don’t have to cook at home and where they can gather with other people in the community,” she says.
“The overall vision for the Mapleton Public House is a place where the local community can be proud of and is a place where we serve good quality food, that’s good for you.”
