Spirits tax set to rise to almost $108 a litre in Australia

Cocktails and pre-mixed drinks are set to get more expensive with Australia's spirits tax rising today.

The cost of the tax is now $107.99 per litre in line with a twice-a-year inflation increase.

While the government has provided temporary relief to draught beer drinkers with a two-year excise freeze, those who prefer spirits are expected to pay more under the tax.

LIVE: Follow all the red carpet arrivals, Grammys award winners here

READ MORE: Thousands of Aussies are receiving mystery ATO deposits. Here's why

Spirits and Cocktails Australia executive director Steven Fanner said spirits have been taxed more than beer and wine.

"The tax increases every six months," Fanner said.

"Spirits are a growing part of the product mix for pubs, clubs and small bars and appeal to a wide variety of consumers, particularly women and younger adults.

"This latest rise will mean around $32 of the price of a standard 700mL bottle of gin or whisky is tax going straight to the government."

Parliament is set to resume debate this week on the government's draught beer freeze.

Fanner urged MPs to extend a freeze to tap spirits-based beverages served over the bar in pubs and clubs.

READ MORE: Gold price soars to $US5300, but will Aussie dollar rally continue

"Applying the freeze to tap spirits as well as tap beer would ensure many more people having a drink with friends on a Friday night benefit from this sensible cost-of-living measure," Fanner said.

Night Time Industries Association chief executive Mick Gibb said state governments had made meaningful progress in revitalising their night-time economies, but the tax rate on spirits continued to challenge both consumers and venue owners.

"We've seen some real progress in recent months to foster vibrant 24-hour cities, but for many consumers the rising price of a mixed-drink or a cocktail makes going out a luxury," Gibb said.

"For venue owners, particularly those with small bars, these twice-yearly tax hikes become very difficult to wear and even harder to budget for."

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here