March 27, 2015, Edmonton – Given Alberta’s current
fiscal situation, Restaurants Canada is relieved the moderate liquor
markup announced in yesterday’s budget is manageable.
March 27, 2015, Edmonton – Given Alberta’s current
fiscal situation, Restaurants Canada is relieved the moderate liquor
markup announced in yesterday’s budget is manageable.
“We had anticipated a tough budget with a liquor markup increase due to
the decline in oil revenue in 2014,” said Mark von Schellwitz,
Restaurants Canada’s vice-president for Western Canada, in a news release. “It’s always
difficult for Alberta’s highly competitive, low-margin restaurant
industry to absorb or pass along cost increases. However, it’s important
to remember this is the first time the Alberta government has increased
liquor taxes in 13 years.”
Alberta’s restaurant industry has traditionally led the country in sales
and employment growth. This lead is due to the province’s tax
competitiveness, which has allowed Albertans more disposable income than
other Canadians, the organization said in the release.
“Restaurants Canada is pleased the budget’s balanced approach maintains
the province’s business competitiveness,” said von Schellwitz. “No hikes
to the business income tax and more disposable income for lower-income
families allow Albertans to continue having money in their pockets to
spend in restaurants. This is reinforced by the government’s continued
rejection of a sales tax.”
Alberta’s $10-billion restaurant industry is one of the largest
private-sector employers in the province. It directly employs close to
150,000 Albertans in every community across the province. The province’s
restaurant industry created 6,600 jobs in 2014 alone.
Visit the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission website to learn details of the markup. http://www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/pdf/quickfacts/markup_rates_schedule.pdf
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