Australia: The average price for a pot of beer in Victorian pubs may top A$3 from June 8

The average price for a pot of beer in Victorian pubs may top A$3 from June 8. Hoteliers will charge 10c more in public bars after yesterday's national wage case decision. Other rising costs, such as land tax, freight and utility bills, have also been blamed on the change. A pot of light beer will rise to A$2.80, while other alcohol and food charges could also move up.

Australian Hoteliers' Association chief executive Brian Kearney said his members would be advised that a 10c increase for beer was reasonable in the face of rising operating costs.

Yesterday's wage case decision, which granted an extra A$17 a week to the lowest-paid workers, became the trigger for the latest increase, he said.

The price of beer and spirits rose on February 1 when the bi-annual inflation-linked tax increases kicked in. The next excise increase on alcohol and tobacco is due on August 1.

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