Burgeoning Beer Tax Burdens Battling Boutique Brewers

Paying $20 (US$13) in tax on a slab of beer would leave a bitter taste in anyone’s mouth, let alone those who brew the amber fluid. The federal government’s alcohol excise increases again on Aug. 5, meaning drinkers will pay $20 beer tax for a carton of full-strength and extra for a round at the pub. Australia has overtaken Japan to have the third highest beer tax in the world behind only Norway and Finland, the brewing industry claims. At a time when Australians are already struggling with the cost of living, the impost adds to pressures forcing many smaller breweries to close and others to call in administrators....