One Nation will abolish the excise on alcohol served at licenced venues as part of its plan to put more money in Australians’ pockets and support small businesses struggling under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.

Party leader Senator Pauline Hanson said the hospitality sector had felt the impact of the cost-of-living crisis more than most.
“Everyday we see pubs and restaurants across the country – some of them historic venues which have operated for decades or longer – being forced to close their doors because so many Australians can no longer afford to have a night out,” Senator Hanson said.

“They’re also being crippled by increased operating costs – energy bills, rents, insurance, council rates and state government regulations. Many of them rely on casual employees, but Labor’s IR changes mean that many of them can’t risk employing casuals anymore.

“One Nation’s policy will abolish the alcohol excise on drinks served in these businesses. This will not apply to take-away alcohol, however our policy also includes freezing the biannual increase in the excise on all alcoholic beverages.”

Senator Hanson said one of the more disturbing impacts of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis was the increase in drinking at home, which was fuelling higher rates of domestic violence.
“Our policy will help to reduce that,” she said. “We also see how Australians struggling to make ends meet are experiencing increased mental health issues. Having a schooner with mates at the pub, or socialising with friends at restaurants and other venues, has always been how many Australians spend their leisure time. Labor’s cost-of-living crisis has taken this option away from them.

“Abolishing the alcohol excise for hospitality venues is just one of many ways One Nation’s plan will put more money in Australians’ pockets. We hope to give venues a lifeline, a real shot in the arm, and enable Australians to again enjoy a night out without it breaking the budget. Our policy will also assist our brewers and our emerging world-class micro-brewery sector, which is being hit hard by government taxes too.

“One Nation puts Australia and Australians first.”