It's being argued the government has taxed beer to a point where people can't afford it as consumption levels plummet.  

Stats NZ data shows the volume of all alcoholic beverages made last year fell by 8.3%, with beer dropping by 10%.  

It follows the beer excise tax rising more than 20% in five years. 

Garage Project Brewery co-owner Jos Ruffell told Mike Hosking the multi-billion-dollar industry is feeling the pain of this bizarre tax.  

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