TORONTO — Restaurants Canada has released its inaugural Raise the Bar report card grading the liquor policies and regulations of each province.
Grades were based on several categories which include pricing and selection; licensing and regulation; customer sales; and political and regulatory activity.
The report’s findings saw Alberta score the top grade in the country with a B+ thanks to its broad selection of beer, wine and spirits and best average prices relative to other Canadian provinces.
P.E.I. followed with a B- and Quebec, Nova Scotia and B.C. each received a C+ grade. Newfoundland and Labrador trailed the rest of the country — earning an F — due to limited product selection and high prices.
Many provincial scores were affected by the fact that establishments in eight out of 10 provinces pay the same, or higher, retail price as consumers for liquor. The full report can be found at restaurantscanada.org.
