Beer and wine prices would skyrocket under a radical proposal to slash Australia’s alcohol consumption and curb binge drinking.
The draft plan being considered by state and federal ministers would introduce a minimum alcohol price so drinkers buy less of it.
Minimum pricing was one of the measures recommended by the draft national alcohol strategy, released last week, along with more taxes and restrictions.
Beer and wine prices would skyrocket under a radical proposal to slash Australia’s alcohol consumption and curb binge drinking
Industry sources told the Herald Sun that the price floor would likely be about $1.50 per standard drink, which would wipe out most cheap booze deals.
A 30-can slab of Tun beer, one of the cheapest on the market, would rise from $33 to $45 as each can contains one standard drink.
Similarly, a 24-bottle carton of Cooper Premium would jump from $44 to more than $50, and a 30-can slab of old favourite VB rises from $55 to $63.
Wine drinkers wouldn’t be spared either as most bottles under $10 wouldn’t be legal and a four-litre box of Golden Oak cask wine would rocket from $10 to $45.
The draft plan being considered by state and federal ministers would introduce a minimum alcohol price so drinkers buy less of it
A 30-can slab of old favourite VB rises from $55 to $63 as each can contains 1.4 standard drinks which would be prices at $1.50 each
Wine drinkers would get a double hit as the plan also included a flax volume tax on alcohol that would raise wine prices as it was taxed less.
However, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt implied the restrictions would not be brought in nationally and it was a matter for the states.
‘It’s not a Commonwealth initiative, policy or anything we are proposing to adopt,’ he told the newspaper.
The draft strategy also calls for heavy restrictions on alcohol advertising during sporting events, and tougher licencing procedures for pubs and bottle shops.
Wine drinkers wouldn’t be spared either as most bottles under $10 wouldn’t be legal
A four-litre box of Golden Oak cask wine would rocket from $10 to $45
Price-based promotions such as bulk buys, two-for-one offers, and shopa-dockets would also be banned outright.
Other proposals included plastic glasses at ‘high risk’ pubs, linked ID scanners to bar problem drinkers, undercover checks on licencees to prevent sale to minors, and warning labels on all containers.
Revenue from alcohol taxes would also be directed to preventative health measures and alcohol and other drug treatment services.