It's no secret that Australia is a land of natural wonders, friendly locals, and unique wildlife. But for one British tourist, the land down under also became a land of sticker shock when he encountered the price of a pint of cider at an Aussie pub.


Sam, a visitor from the UK, couldn't hide his disbelief when he was charged £6.50, which converts to approximately $A12.80, for a single pint of cider. His reaction was captured in a TikTok video posted by his sister, which quickly went viral with over 69,000 views. 'Six pound 50 for a pint of cider? Cider and all?' Sam lamented, his disappointment palpable as he rested his head in his hand.


The price difference was stark when compared to his homeland, where he claimed a pint of Carling could be snagged for a mere £2.90 at the popular British pub chain Wetherspoons. 'Why on Earth is a pint of cider – never heard of it (the Aussie brand) in my life – six pound 50?' he questioned, echoing the sentiments of many who find themselves grappling with Australia's steep alcohol prices.


The comments section of the video was soon flooded with empathetic Aussies who shared Sam's frustration, criticizing the federal government's high alcohol taxes. 'Yer it’s sad … that’s why people ain’t going out and paying for alcohol anymore,' one user commented. Another added, 'We ain’t happy with our prices either mate. Welcome to down under brathe.'

Indeed, the cost of enjoying a drink in Australia is no laughing matter, with taxes significantly inflating the price of alcohol. 'Taxes so high here on alcohol,' another user remarked, a sentiment that was underscored by someone who claimed to have paid $17.50 in Western Australia for a Heineken.

But the bad news doesn't stop there. Tourists and locals alike are bracing themselves for the government's twice-yearly tax hike on alcohol, set to take effect next week on August 5. This increase is expected to further strain both consumers and the industry, particularly small-scale local breweries.


Richard Feyn, marketing manager at Sydney Brewery, expressed his concerns to NCA NewsWire, stating that the tax hikes are 'crippling for the business and killer for the consumers at a time when the market is tight and everyone has got financial issues.' Craft beer, which is already more expensive than mainstream beer, will likely see a price increase as taxes rise, despite consumers' reluctance to pay more.

In a bold move, Mr. Feyn revealed that Sydney Brewery had decided not to raise their prices from August 5, opting instead to 'sit tight because the market is not allowing us to.' This decision, while consumer-friendly, means the brewery will absorb the loss in profit margin, a sacrifice that has contributed to the downfall of many small establishments.

For our members at the Seniors Discount Club, this news might be particularly disheartening. Many of us enjoy a nice cold pint or a glass of wine with friends, and these price hikes could put a damper on our social outings. It's important to remember that while we may not have control over taxes, we can still seek out the best deals and support local businesses where possible.

Have you noticed the rising cost of alcohol affecting your social habits? Do you have any tips for finding affordable drinks or alternatives to enjoying a night out without breaking the bank? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we'd love to hear how you're navigating this fizzy situation.