Hotel boss warns pub schnitzels could soon cost $40 in scathing speech that lashes red tape ‘strangulation’ and public holiday row

South Aussies could soon be paying $40 for a pub schnitzel, an industry leader says, claiming red tape is killing the hospitality industry.

Coopers Alehouse general manager Nick Sando holding one their schnitzels that cost an average $28, but are $12 on Thursdays. Picture: Kelly Barnes

South Aussies face paying $40 for a pub schnitzel, an industry leader says.

In his annual Christmas luncheon speech, Australian Hotels Association state president David Basheer warned costs would rise if SA followed Victoria in phasing out gas appliances – which almost all hotels use, and which would be expensive to replace.

“Natural gas is increasingly under siege,” he said.

Publican David Basheer at the Strathmore Hotel. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

Mr Basheer, who owns the CBD Strathmore Hotel, lashed the unprecedented “rapid bureaucracy” that had “strangled” venues in red tape, despite the industry being in “negative territory” amid a 20 per cent slump in demand in some pubs.

For example, despite stringent state and local health rules, commonwealth bureaucrats now forced highly experienced chefs to finish eight hours of “food standards 101” training.

Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis’ spokesman said the government “has no intention whatsoever to ban gas connections” while gas is “essential” in any renewable energy move.

Nick Sando with a magnificent example of the schnitzel parmigiana. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Coopers Alehouse general manager Nick Sando, 38, of St Morris, said his CBD pub had a weekly $25,000 wages bill but all costs were rising.

Its schnitzels cost on average $28 but were $12 on Thursdays.

“We see peaks and troughs a bit more,” he said. “We’re coming into a good time with Christmas but it might be a bit different in January and February.”

The premier had earlier hailed the state’s economy and “full employment” but acknowledged inflationary pressures were hitting families hard.