Renewed push to cap the price of beer
Local petition
A renewed push against the high price of beer - always a contentious issue in Port Douglas - has begun, with a series of new petitions attracting more than 8000 signatures calling on the Federal Government to cap alcohol taxes more permanently.
The most popular petition was started by Tim Allan, who runs the online site The Local, which visits pubs across the country chatting to customers and publicans.
“Something is changing across regional Australia - and not for the better,” Mr Allan states.
“Quietly, without headlines, country pubs are disappearing.
“Right now, many of these pubs are fighting a losing battle - and one of the biggest pressures is Australia’s alcohol excise system.
"Australia already has some of the highest beer taxes in the world.
“Meanwhile, pubs continue to support communities - sponsoring local sport, hosting fundraisers, and acting as unofficial social hubs that reduce isolation in regional areas.”
Alcohol taxes had been going up automatically twice a year up until August last year, but the Federal Government put a temporary freeze on that system until August next year.
Campaigners such as the Australian Hotels Association have been calling for a more permanent freeze on twice-yearly tax increases of beer and spirits sold in pubs and other venues before that temporary moratorium is lifted.
You can sign Tim Allan’s change.org petition HERE.