John Key MP

National Party Deputy Finance Spokesman

04 June 2004

Beer drinkers hit by post-Budget tax whammy

National Party Deputy Finance spokesman John Key says beer drinkers are likely to be hit with a nasty post-Budget tax surprise from this weekend.

"Beer drinkers will be left with a bitter Budget aftertaste when they realise that they might be paying an extra 20 cents or more for a pint.

"The price rises can be blamed on a series of recent changes. Excise tax increases announced in April took effect on June 1 and some publicans are also loading on increases for the cost of new labour laws.

"Beer drinkers are among those paying for a hangover of the Government's making.

"Of course those who like to eat out won't escape this weekend either. On Monday they will probably have to pay 15% more because of holiday law changes.

"The Government always knew the cost of its ideological industrial relations policies would be passed on to the consumer and the wage earner," says Mr Key.

"Cheers Labour!"

Ends

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