The hospitality industry is grappling with the government’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 6 per cent and modern award wages by 4.75 per cent.

Press PLAY to hear about the impact of the wage decision on hospitality venues

Ben Randall, owner of The Sandbar and Brighton Wine Bar, told 6PR Drive host Jamie Burnett that while he supports wage increases, he argues the government must do more to offset rising business expenses.

He warned that with margins already tight, many venues are being forced to either pass those costs on to consumers or close their doors.

“If we were to be putting our prices up every single time there’s an increase, we wouldn’t be in business because you just can’t. There’s just too much competition and it’s not fair on the consumer”, he said.

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