The head of the Brewers Association of Australia is calling for a 37-year-old “beer tax” to be frozen for a year to provide relief to consumers and publicans in the wake of COVID-19.

CEO Brett Heffernan told Mark Gibson the tax on beer increases by CPI every six months meaning Australia pays the fourth highest beer tax in the world.

“Australians are forking out $2.26 per litre (in tax) and that goes up again in August,” said Mr Heffernan.

“A typical carton goes for $52 of that $22.05 is tax. To break that down, 10 stubbies that you’re buying out of your carton goes to the taxman.”

While the push is on for the Australians to support their local hospitality businesses, Mr Heffernan warns “the biggest beer tax in our history” is around the corner.

“The two seem quite disconnected in my mind,” said Mr Heffernan

Download this podcast here