For a standard 700ml bottle of spirits, around $30 of the retail price is alcohol excise before GST is applied. Steven Fanner, SCA’s Executive Director, said the current excise system requires reform. The Australian Hotels Association welcomed the freeze on tap-beer excise, but also called on the Government to do more to fix the country’s escalating alcohol excise increases. “It’s the first time a Prime Minister from any side of politics has taken action on the beer excise in more than 40 years. “Of course, there’s more that needs to be done – but there’s no doubt this freeze on beer excise is a step in the right direction.”