The National Australian Hotels Association has lobbied for lower excise rates in venues to reflect changing times and “safer environments”.
The AHA has made a submission to the Federal Government’s tax policy white paper taskforce, calling for discussion around reduced taxes on wine and spirit bulk alcohol products sold in hotels.
It is suggested that licensed premises are required to maintain what amounts to a safer drinking environment and that laws should reflect the changing drinking culture.
“Thirty years ago about 20 per cent of alcohol was consumed at home and 80 per cent in hotels,” said AHA CEO Stephen Ferguson.
“Now it’s the reverse.’’
Currently, there is a tax around $1 per standard drink of distilled spirits and 36 cents per standard glass of bottled wine.
Draught beer is already taxed at a rate around 30 per cent lower than packaged beer, adding 32 cents for a standard drink versus 46 cents in bottles and cans. The Association is recommending this remains in place.
The AHA states in its submission that it believes the tax system must be capable of stimulating the economy, and should play a role in increasing “social inclusion and living standards through workforce participation”.
Its submission centred on this points and included recommendations:
- To restore (reasonable) entertainment expenses as a tax deduction and the removal of FBT on business meals
- Increasing the scope of recent tax benefits in the Budget to include businesses of all sizes
- Abolishing regressive taxes such as payroll, land tax and stamp duty
- To regulate the rising ‘share accommodation’ economy and uniform standards
- Prohibiting unregulated wagering operators
