Cocktails and pre-mixed drinks are set to get more expensive with Australia's spirits tax rising today.
The cost of the tax is now $107.99 per litre in line with a twice-a-year inflation increase.
While the government has provided temporary relief to draught beer drinkers with a two-year excise freeze, those who prefer spirits are expected to pay more under the tax.
Spirits and Cocktails Australia executive director Steven Fanner said spirits have been taxed more than beer and wine.
"The tax increases every six months," Fanner said.
"Spirits are a growing part of the product mix for pubs, clubs and small bars and appeal to a wide variety of consumers, particularly women and younger adults.
"This latest rise will mean around $32 of the price of a standard 700mL bottle of gin or whisky is tax going straight to the government."
Parliament is set to resume debate this week on the government's draught beer freeze.
Fanner urged MPs to extend a freeze to tap spirits-based beverages served over the bar in pubs and clubs.
"Applying the freeze to tap spirits as well as tap beer would ensure many more people having a drink with friends on a Friday night benefit from this sensible cost-of-living measure," Fanner said.
Night Time Industries Association chief executive Mick Gibb said state governments had made meaningful progress in revitalising their night-time economies, but the tax rate on spirits continued to challenge both consumers and venue owners.
"We've seen some real progress in recent months to foster vibrant 24-hour cities, but for many consumers the rising price of a mixed-drink or a cocktail makes going out a luxury," Gibb said.
"For venue owners, particularly those with small bars, these twice-yearly tax hikes become very difficult to wear and even harder to budget for."
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