Burgeoning Beer Tax Burdens Battling Boutique Brewers

A bartender pours beer for his customers at a pub in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 11, 2021. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

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.