July 28, 2012
The Age
Drinkers and smokers face higher “sin taxes” from next week, as prices of alcohol and cigarettes continue to creep up faster than other goods.
Taxes on spirits will rise the most, with the excise on a case of pre-mixed drinks rising by 21¢ when the changes take effect on Wednesday. This will mean $33.83 is tax on each case of pre-mixed drinks — which sell for between $60 and $90.
A case of 24 cans of full-strength beer will rise by 8¢, taking the tax on a case to $14.97.
Because the tax rates reflect alcohol content, the tax on a case of light beer will rise by just 3¢.
The tax on a packet of 50 cigarettes will rise by 10¢, taking the government’s take from each packet to $17.44. The excise on a packet of 20 cigarettes will rise by 4¢.
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