schnitzels and parmys: Fears Australia’s favourite pub feed could soon soar to $40 as hotel boss issues a dire warning about the cost of living crisis

A cafe owner has warned that schnitzels and parmys could soon cost customers $40 as the cost of living for Aussies worsens thanks to 'red tape'.

Australian Hotels Association state president David Basheer, owner of the CBD Strathmore Hotel in central Adelaide, made the ominous prediction during a Christmas lunch speech.

He said if the South Australian government follows Victoria's lead and phases out gas cooking, it would be a costly move for pubs.

“Natural gas is increasingly under siege,” he said in a speech from The advertiser.

Mr Basheer said hospitality costs are also being driven up by the rapid expansion of red tape gripping venues.

An example of this is the federal government forcing highly experienced chefs and cooks to complete eight hours of “food standards 101” training, despite strict and stringent state controls already in place.

He said many in the hospitality industry are struggling to stay open amid a 20 percent drop in sales.

Nick Sando, general manager of Coopers Alehouse, said the main costs he has to bear are a weekly wage bill of $25,000.

In addition, other costs are also increasing, but he has kept the cost of schnitzels at an average of $28, with a special rate of $12 on Thursdays.

“We're seeing some more peaks and valleys,” he said.

“We're going to have a good time at Christmas, but things might be a little different in January and February.”

A spokesperson for South Africa's Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the government has “no intention of banning gas connections” and that the fuel remains essential in the transition to cleaner energy.