Commerce Ballarat is calling for a freeze on the federal alcohol excise, as the cost of a schooner of beer reaches double digits in some country venues.
The amount of alcohol excise charged for beer and spirits usually increases twice a year, bringing in billions of dollars for the Government.
The organisation says pubs are under increasing pressure with the rising cost of electricity, gas, transport, insurance and food.
They say a tax freeze is a practical step to ensure the future of Australia’s pubs and to keep them accessible to everyone.
Earlier this month, Australian Hotels Association (Vic) CEO Paddy O’Sullivan said in a statement the liquor tax has already been raised 83 times.
He said country pubs are the heart of their local communities, and they want their customers to have value for money without the federal government’s unfair tax slugs.
