Canadian restaurants, pubs and bars have been devastated by the impacts of COVID-19 with more of these businesses closing their doors permanently every day. The impacts of lockdowns and closures extend far beyond these businesses as Canada’s beverage alcohol industry has seen a collapse in bar and restaurant sales of their products. While restaurants and bars fight for their survival, they must also contend with Canada’s increasing alcohol taxes, which are some of the highest in the world. This tax burden is scheduled to increase again next year due to the alcohol escalator tax which increases alcohol taxes on April 1 every year.

Please join our discussion with Industry leaders:

• Larry Isaacs, President, Firkin Group of Pubs
• Peter Watts, Managing Director, Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre
• Michael Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, Great Western Brewing Company
• Marc Valencia, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Vice President, Public Affairs, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited

The discussion will focus on what the industry is doing to survive the pandemic and what Canada can do mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on our restaurants and bars while improving the competitiveness of its breweries, wineries, distilleries and all of the agricultural and other supply chain members that contribute to this industry.