SPIRITS PRODUCERS have claimed the Federal Government is “giving with one hand and taking with the other” as the hospitality sector braces for the fourth alcohol tax rise in two years spent battling COVID.

A TAX hike imposed today on the distilling industry is a “kick in the guts” to businesses already struggling with the impact of COVID lockdowns.

The Australian spirits industry welcomes the Morrison Government’s announcement overnight of a $2.6 million grant to explore the potential of Blockchain technology to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the food and beverage sector.

The Australian Distillers Association and Spirits and Cocktails Australia applaud the Morrison Government’s decision to increase the excise refund cap for small distillers and brewers from $100,000 to $350,000 per year as part of the 2021-22 Federal Budget.

Australia’s distillers have welcomed cross-party support in federal parliament for urgent action on this country’s spirits tax regime, now the third highest in the world.

The Australian Distillers Association welcomes the Andrews Government’s announcement yesterday to invest $10 million in distillery door grants over the next two years.