Riverina publicans call for beer tax cuts amid COVID hangover - Daily Advertiser

Riverina publicans are adding their voice to calls to slash the pubs and clubs' beer tax to help the sector recover from the COVID-19 hangover.

The Brewers Association has called for a 50 per cent reduction in the tax paid on beer in pubs and clubs.

Mr Wealands said it's not just about beer, but all local independent businesses are the communities' lifeblood.

For a small to medium-sized pub which buys around 15 kegs a week, a reduction of 50 per cent in the excise rate on draught beer could mean a $465 saving in beer tax each week.

The Brewers Association CEO, John Preston, said a significant cut in the beer tax bill for pub and club owners and their customers would help the hospitality sector recover.

"Beer anchors pubs and clubs, and these businesses need a break," he said.

"Given more than 85 per cent of beer consumed in Australia is made in Australia, reducing beer tax should also be a priority to support the 100,000 jobs

"Our modelling has found that a 50 per cent reduction in beer tax applied to draught sales would cost the Government $150 million out of total current beer tax revenue of $2.5 billion."