Concerns are being raised by distilleries and venue operators in regional areas as they brace for yet another tax hike on spirits.
People ordering cocktails or ready-to-drink spirits at pubs and clubs could be met with higher prices from August under a decades-old excise which rises twice each year.
However, a glass of draught beer will be spared the extra tax under a two-year freeze by the Federal Government.
Australia’s spirits taxation regime means consumers pay one of the highest tax rates in the world for spirits and RTDs.
The tax on spirits is already $104.31 per litre of alcohol before next month’s excise increase.
Australian Distillers Association general manager Cameron Mackenzie said “This tax hurts our customers and more than 700 distillers across the country who want to share more of our products at Aussie pubs and clubs. We want a system that doesn’t favour one drink over another.”
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/whiskey-drink-glass-beverage-5794773/
