Gippslanders are paying too much for a night out with family and friends, according to local MP Darren Chester.
Mr Chester is supporting calls from the Australian Hotels Association to freeze the beer excise to reduce the cost of living and take pressure off local venues, which employ hundreds of people throughout Gippsland.
“Everyday Australians are being priced out of one of life’s small pleasures, enjoying a drink with friends in their local pub,” Mr Chester said.
“A few years ago, I started the ‘Great Gippsland Pub Challenge’ as a bit of fun to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy a meal at a local hotel and support jobs in the hospitality sector.
“I aimed to visit every pub in my electorate, and it’s been both an enjoyable and informative experience.
“From Morwell to Mallacoota and Omeo to Alberton, it has taken me to more than 50 pubs across Gippsland and given me time to have hundreds of conversations with locals and visitors.
“It has also reminded me that many pubs, particularly in regional areas, are the heart and soul of the community and a gathering place for friends, families and holidaymakers.”
Australian Hotels Association chief executive officer Stephen Ferguson said beer and spirits tax quietly goes up twice a year every year – slugging men and women already hit by a cost-of-living crisis, but the government’s only response is to refer pubs to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
“Beer and spirits excise is a dripping tap which delivers $6.2 billion of drinkers’ money to Canberra already – and is budgeted to go up another $800 million by 2027,” Mr Ferguson said.
“That’s money out of people’s pockets who can’t afford it. Everyone knows a dripping tap should be turned off. That’s what we want to see: a fair go for the men and women who enjoy a beer or gin and tonic at their local pub – not a hidden tax designed to increase by small amounts that goes up twice a year.
“Only David Littleproud and the Nationals are willing to back the voter here – Labor and Liberals alike need to listen and freeze this hidden tax on beer and spirits sold in pubs, clubs and restaurants.
“These are the places where jobs are actually created – and they are the heart of their communities.”
Mr Chester said it was an issue that should receive bipartisan support.
“There are good mental health benefits from people getting together and talking at a local venue compared to drinking at home without any responsible service of alcohol,” Mr Chester said.
“Our pubs are worth protecting as many are feeling the pressure of increased input costs and a high tax burden which undermines the viability of these socially and economically important businesses.
“To save our pubs and protect local jobs and investment in community
groups and sporting clubs, I’m standing up for my local pubs and urging all political parties to agree to freeze excise on beer and spirits to stop the twice yearly increasing costs.”
