Winemakers will be relieved to learn the proposed 32.5 per cent ‘backpacker tax’ rate will be cut to 19 per cent. The tax rate reduction will apply to Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visa holders as of 1 January 2017. With the peak tourism and harvest season ahead, farmers and winemakers will look to backpackers … Continued

Diageo Australia has confirmed that its Commercial Director, Simon Tamke, has resigned and will leave the business on 1 February 2017. A Diageo spokesperson said that the decision had been based on the pressure of Simon having to commute between Adelaide and Sydney for the role. “This was a personal but difficult decision for Simon who has … Continued

Whilst the rest of Australia is kicking off U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year in their states this weekend, Queensland have crowned their 2016 U.G.L.Y. Champion! Cheeky and charming bartender, Paolo Giancarlo Gabrielloni, from Edgewater Dining and Lounge Bar was one of 322 Queensland bartenders who took part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s unique U.G.L.Y. (Understanding, Generous, … Continued

Campari Australia and Aperol have announced a partnership with Tennis Australia for the Australian Open 2017, affording widespread exposure and consumer engagement opportunities for both the brand and the signature drink, the Aperol Spritz. The new partnership will see Campari Australia and Aperol become the official spirit and official aperitif of the Australian Open 2017. … Continued

A number of alcohol beverage suppliers have been recognised at the 2016 POPAI Marketing at Retail Awards for best practice, innovation and excellence in retail marketing. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded to Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), Brown-Forman, Accolade Wines, [yellow tail], Diageo and McWilliam’s Wines. CUB’s BWS mobile campaign … Continued

The East Village Sydney is set to re-open its doors this October after a major interior overhaul. The four-story, 100-year-old heritage site has received a dramatic facelift, including a new 100 square metre rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline. Purchased in April 2016, the East Village Sydney marks the second pub to the Goodtime Hospitality … Continued

Endeavour Drinks Group has announced that Rose Scott, General Manager of Merchandising and Marketing, has accepted a new role within the business which will see her lead the group’s Chinese wholesale distribution business as Managing Director. Scott will take over the position from Ian Ford, current MD of Summergate Fine Wines, from October. Scott has … Continued

Winners of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) 2016 National Awards for Excellence were announced this evening at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast in Queensland. More than 460 attendees were in attendance to celebrate venues and individuals for excellence within the accommodation sector. Among the highlights of the evening was the induction … Continued

Keep Sydney Open is set to hold a second rally on October 9 in support of freeing Sydney’s nighttime economy from legislation such as the lockout laws and last drinks measures. The organisation began calling on support from the industry and members of the public last week following the Callinan Review announcement, saying that more needs to … Continued

Scott Marshall opened the 2016 IBA Conference at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau, last night in front of 600 guests enjoying a spectacular banquet on Denarau Beach. Conferencing begins this morning with an address from Scott Marshall and Ian Morrice – expected to focus on the store of the future, the right sales mix and increasing … Continued