Beer tax to win over drinkers

DRINKERS will receive 30c off a schooner of beer as Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeks to resurrect his election fortunes at the same time as rescuing flailing pubs and clubs.

Senior government sources have told News Corp a push to halve excise tax on draught beer, which has been backed by up to a dozen government backbenchers, was under “serious consideration” for next month’s federal budget.

The push to cut beer taxes is being spearheaded by the Australian Hotel Association, Clubs Australia and the Brewers Association. A source familiar with the discussions said any tax cut would be temporary, and designed to help pubs and clubs get back on their feet after more than two years of the pandemic.