If you’re paying $55 for a carton of beer, almost $20 will go straight to tax under the next incremental rise in the alcohol tax, set to hit bottle shops and pubs today.

A 2.2 per cent increase will be placed on all beer across the country today, following a similar hike less than a year ago.

Press PLAY to hear more about the ever-increasing beer tax

Brewers Association of Australia CEO John Preston told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings the “out of control” tax increase is almost automatic, with no reference taken by Parliament.

“We’ve seen some really big increases in the last year and a bit in inflation, and this just isn’t helping; that’s why we’re asking the government to take a look at it,” Mr Preston said.