For Australians, enjoying a cold beer at the local pub has become a tradition that fosters community, unwinds the workday stress, and celebrates the laid-back lifestyle. However, starting today, 3 February, that tradition is set to become a bit more costly due to the federal government’s latest tax hike on alcohol.
The increase in alcohol excise, which adjusts for inflation and occurs biannually in February and August, has just taken effect. This time around, we’re looking at a rise of between 2 to 3 per cent.
For the average beer lover, the cost of a pint could potentially soar to around $15, a price that may have some patrons thinking twice before ordering another round.
Iain Ling, the owner of The Lincoln pub in Melbourne, expressed his concerns on the Today show, highlighting the strain these relentless tax increases place on both publicans and customers, especially during a cost of living crisis.
‘It’s just getting harder and harder. We have gone through all of these struggles together as a community, as pubs are. And it’s just nice, for people to spend their free time and their … spare income. And the government just seems to be making that harder for them,’ he lamented.
Ling calls for a dialogue about the tax, suggesting that while a reduction might be too much to hope for, a temporary pause could provide some respite.
‘It’s not a one-off raise. It’s a very, very regular thing which we need to be able to have a conversation about,’ he explained.

The Brewers Association of Australia is also pushing back against the hike. CEO John Preston made a last-minute plea to the Treasurer’s Budget consultation process, advocating for urgent action to address what he describes as already exorbitant beer tax rates.
‘Australians are doing the right thing and drinking responsibly,’ Preston stated, questioning the need for the tax increases.
Preston points out that the tax hikes are ‘making it increasingly’ difficult for Australians to enjoy a beer at their local pub without feeling the pinch.
He also draws attention to the United Kingdom, where the newly elected Labour Government ‘used its first budget to continue the reductions in beer tax that were started under the previous Conservative government.’
This move, he suggests, is something the Australian Treasurer should consider emulating to provide ‘relief to both beer drinkers and the hospitality sector.’
As we grapple with this latest increase, it’s worth considering the broader implications. How will this affect our local pubs, the brewing industry, and the overall economy? And more personally, how will it impact our social habits and the affordability of enjoying a beer with mates?
We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue, our YourLifeChoices readers. Will the tax hike change how often you go out for a drink? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Also read: Cheers or tears: Will the beer tax destroy Aussie pubs?
Read a couple of Days ago that our esteemed treasurer Charming Jim stated that the increase in the price of a schooner because of this (creeping) excise TAX (that’s all it is!!) only equates to 1 or 2 cents per schooner. Mmmm can you tell me Jim why my schooner goes up 20 to 50 cents per schooner every time this excise duty (TAX) comes around?
I am in a regional area not the city prices. Our local golf club beer (not Boutique) beer price for a schooner has gone from $7.10 to $7.50. Which is a good price for a beer in today’s market. The local pub which is about 1km away has gone from $9.10 to $9.90. Why would you become a publican- With the wages, taxes and strict regulations of today. Government is killing the old aussie pub way of life. For a couple – Not much change left out of $130 for 2 drinks each and 2x meals. A family of 4 if teenagers could easily double +.
Absolutely ridiculous!!! How about , instead of giving dole bludgers more money and “MAKE” them get a job, plus instead of the government giving themselves pay rises any damn time they feel like it !!! Give the actual worker that goes and pays all those wages a freaking go!! We work hard and some us actually like to go to the pub because we’ve earned a thirst, plus who’s going to pay the bar staffs wages when people get to the point and have had enough….