As reported by The Shout last week, there was widespread dismay as the Government chose not to hold off on the second tax increase of the year, at a time when the hospitality needed it most.
But with venues in Victoria locked down again and the threat of a second lockdown looming in New South Wales, the challenges of 2020 are still very real, and Lion has told its customers it will not pass on the price rise from the CPI increase.
In a letter to customers, seen by The Shout, Lion it was ‘keeping things simple’ with no increase to its prices on 1 August 2020.
The letter, from National Sales Director Mark Powell, said: “This year has been extremely difficult for the beverages, hospitality and retail sector, with bushfires and Covid-19 compounding to create a lot of uncertainty for all of us.
“And then in addition, Lion faced a cyber attack that presented additional issues for our loyal customers.
“In recognition that collectively we have faced bushfires, Covid-19 and a cyber-attack, Lion is going to keep things simple and hold our prices flat this August.
“It’s another step to help our customers through a challenging year.
“This means no changes to our list prices for pack and draught beer and cider for the remainder of the year.”
The news follows Lion last week saying it would help venues in Victoria make the switch to selling takeaway beers again by providing 1.25l bottles, caps, dispensers and point of sale kits to those choosing to remain open.