In order to save on taxes Australian brewers are reducing the levels of alcohol in their beer, a report from Herald Sun revealed on July 12, 2002. Carlton United Breweries (CUB) has lowered the content of alcohol in Carlton Draught and Carlton Cold from 4.9% to 4.7%, in Carlton Light from 3.3% to 2.9% and in Cascade Pale Ale from 5.2% to 5%. An other Australian brewer, Lion Nathan, scaled back the alcohol level in Tooheys Gold’s from 3.4% to 3.2% and in Tooheys Red from 4.5% to 4.2% late last year. CUB and Lion Nathan said the change was an attempt to prevent the rising beer prices caused by increases in federal excise taxes. They also said the changes would not affect the taste of the brews.

15 July, 2002