Ontario stopping scheduled beer tax increase

Toronto — The Ontario government is stopping the estimated 4.6 per cent increase to the beer basic tax and LCBO mark-up rates that was scheduled for March 1, 2024.

This increase would have resulted from rates being indexed to inflation, the government said in a news release. This latest freeze will be in place for two years, until March 1, 2026.

Starting no later than Jan. 1, 2026, consumers in Ontario will have access to beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink alcohol beverages in participating convenience, grocery and big-box grocery across the province.

“Our government is building on its commitment to offer choice and convenience to consumers while providing certainty and stability for the alcohol and hospitality sectors,” said Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy.

In the months ahead, the government will meet and consult with industry partners, beverage alcohol producers and other stakeholders and conduct a targeted review of taxes and fees on beer, wine and alcoholic beverages.