The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will no longer enforce the licence requirements that ordinarily apply to the manufacture of alcohol products.
The move comes after bars and restaurants have been repurposing cocktails, beers and everything in between for takeaway sales in response to COVID-19 lockdowns.
Previously, venues needed to obtain a licence as an excise manufacturer with the tax office in addition to local liquor licensing requirements.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton said it was important to make business simple, especially when the hospitality sector is being impacted by COVID-19.
Venues facing restrictions can also repackage duty-paid kegged beer for takeaway sales in sealed containers until 31 October 2021 without excise requirements.
The Australian Government is calling on distillers, brewers and operators to provide feedback and views on streamlining excise administration for alcohol among other products.
A Deregulation Taskforce has been created with submissions open until 31 August 2021.
