The Herald strikes the right tone, for Alf, when it reports that the prospect of increased booze prices, is “adding to the gloom of winter and a recession…”

The increases are likely to be triggered when the Government increases the excise tax on alcohol by 2.8 per cent from today.

The tax, which is adjusted to reflect the rate of inflation, rose by around 3.5 per cent last year.

Some retailers tried to resist passing on price rises from the main breweries in March but would be forced to increase prices now, Hospitality Association of New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said.

“My understanding is that most manufacturers are going up similar amounts or more – I certainly know that Lion (Nathan) and DB (Breweries) are increasing their prices by at least 3 per cent, and we’re certainly expecting that retailers are going to have no choice but to pass that on to consumers,” Mr Robertson told NZPA.

Different rates of tax are paid on different levels of alcohol, but the 2.8 per cent increase will apply to all tax rates.

Prices are expected to rise over the next month – some retailers are likely to apply it immediately while others use up stock before passing on the increase.

Tax increases could contribute to a further decline in sales, and job losses across the hospitality, entertainment and beverage industries, the Distilled Spirits Association said.

The Hospitality Association had written to Minister of Finance Bill English asking that the annual adjustment be deferred.

Betcha six rounds of beers in the Eketahuna Club he won’t get far with that proposal.