Despite the current economic climate many publicans have kept the price of beer steady with fears of losing customers, especially after the pandemic.

With the rising costs of transport and fuel prices the hospitality industry has been hard hit, with venue owners absorbing most of the price hikes.

Young Henrys Brewing representative Jason Whitton predicts that publicans will be forced to raise costs at the bar if the trend continues.

“Due to the recent price rise in everything, we have undergone a CPI (consumer price index) price rise to recover some of the costs that our business has had to absorb,” Mr Whitton said.

“Until now, we’ve chosen to absorb the cost, a practice that is not sustainable.”

Howlin’ Wolf whisky bar owner Luke Symons says that in August there was a CPI increase of ten percent which is well above the average three percent rise per six months.

“A lot of other pubs can keep their prices low as they still get 100% of the pokies take,” Mister Symons said.

“They pay about 27% of tax on that so that doesn’t fluctuate with inflation.

“Wages just went up this week too, so it’s crucial to be within your margins as overheads such as rent and electricity have surged.”

He expects the business will absorb these costs for the short term but predicts an increase to the consumer by year end.

Owner of Yakka Records and Bottle-0, James Sherley said the current economic climate has been very relevant to how he prices his stock and negotiates distribution companies.

“Delivery regionally has costs involved and it is a changing landscape so costs and times may fluctuate, ” Mr Sherley said.

“So far, its been what we expected and we just incorporate any shipping into the cost of the unit price.

“Our prices are higher than what you’ll see in a big chain, but people who want this type of product are happy to pay a premium.”

All parties interviewed said that the local community has been supportive to small business throughout this time and that maintaining a fair price moving forward is very important to them.