The AHA Pre-Budget Submission for FY22-23 outlines that the industry is need of support to recover from multiple years of pandemic trading. Cost to the Australian Government is minimal and there are multiple indicators that a reduction in excise would provide excellent flow-on effects including increase work hours, assistance to independent brewers and reduction in costs for consumers.
Members will be kept up to date of the efforts to have this initiative adopted by the Australian Government for a reduction in excise of $35 per keg. As Australian beer is one of the highest taxed beer products in the world, QHA are eager to achieve some cost relief to members.
To further support businesses into the New Year, the ATO has extended the Takeaway beer repackaging concession from 31 January 2022 to 30 April 2022.
This concession allows alcohol service venues facing COVID-19 restrictions to repackage excise duty-paid kegged beer for takeaway sale in sealed containers (such as growlers) without needing:
- an excise manufacturer licence
- to pay further excise duty.
The ATO understands many businesses in the alcohol service industry have been facing difficulties due to COVID-19 restrictions. This concession applies to alcohol service venues operating under COVID-19 restrictions, for example where they:
- are restricted to takeaway service only
- have to apply to the four-square metre rule
- have limits on the number of customers allowed in an enclosed space.
These changes have been published on the ATO’s website, at Excise on alcohol.
