The Andrews Government will slug Victorians with yet another tax increase on nights out at restaurants, pubs and clubs with a massive hike proposed for liquor licensing fees.
The Government’s proposal would see small cafes, restaurants and pubs hit with fee increases ranging from 35 per cent to as much as 996 per cent.
Not only is this an attack on businesses doing it tough in recent years, but it will also increase the cost of a night out at a restaurant or the pub for ordinary Victorians.
Shadow Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Danny O’Brien, said the Government is addicted to taxes and trying to recoup money to pay off its massive $165 billion debt.
“Under Labor we are paying more and getting less, and now Daniel Andrews is increasing taxes on a night out,” Mr O’Brien said.
“When the Government is paying $10 million a day in interest on its massive debt, it is no surprise that it is seeking to recoup funds through every activity in the state.”
“This is another hit on Victorians on top of the 44 new or increased taxes Labor has introduced since 2014.”
Mr O’Brien said this tax increase will particularly hurt those businesses in the CBD still struggling to recover from Labor’s lockdowns.
“Melbourne and Victoria are known for our culture, our night life and our live music scene, and these licence fee increases simply put another burden onto our entertainment industry.”
“Labor is mired in debt, addicted to taxes and their culture of waste is now being paid for by every Victorian.”