b'42 BREWERS ASSOCIATION BREWERS ASSOCIATION 43T TR RO OP PE ER R L LUA UAN NN NA A S SR RE EP PO OCO COBREWERS ASSOCIATIONJOHN PRESTON WASOverall sales of draught beer through pubs, clubs andIt aimed to significantly reduce operating costs for APPOINTED CHIEFother hospitality venues for the year ending Decemberthe hospitality industry and encourage patrons to 2020 were down by 30%, representing a revenue dropreturn to venues.EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF of over $1 billion from beer sales, with a significant With Australia having the fourth-highest beer tax THE BREWERS ASSOCIATIONknock-on effect for the brewing industry. in the developed world, and the rate continuing to OF AUSTRALIA (THEThe cost of lockdowns to the brewing industry hasincrease twice a year, The Brewers will continue to BREWERS) AT THEbeen immense. As a perishable product, kegged beercampaign on this issue with our hospitality partners.already shipped to venues, or in transit, had to be BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR.destroyed when these venues were closed. Overall,Whilst COVID-19 has dominated political and373,500 kegs had to be tipped, with the costs bornemedia focus, The Brewers have continued to work by the sector. This represented around 44 millionon behalf of the sector on a range of regulatory John has already demonstrated his passion for theschooners in lost sales to the brewing industry and issues and challenges. Underpinning our approach brewing industry in Australia, and, in the face ofhospitality sector. is the responsible and sustainable way in whichthe current difficulties posed by the pandemic,our industry operates. Coopers is represented in is providing leadership in promoting theThe support measures introduced by theThe Brewers through Tim Cooper (Deputy Chair), considerable contribution made by our industry. Commonwealth Government were critical inCam Pearce and Nick Sterenberg contributing tosupporting hospitality and business in general.the relevant committees.The key focus for The Brewers throughout COVID-19Working with the Australian Hotels Association and has been working to support our partners in theClubs Australia, The Brewers made the case for furtherThe beer industry enjoys enormous support hospitality sector. Beer is the anchor product fortargeted support for the sector. In a submission to theamongst Australians, and the Brewers Association most pubs and clubs, and sales figures for 2020Commonwealth Governments Budget in May 2021,is confident that this community support is critical highlight the extent of devastation by the pandemic.The Brewers made a request for a 50% reduction in theto the viability of the industry in the face of the excise on draught beer.challenges of the pandemic.'