The province-wide poll, conducted by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA), found that 72 per cent of respondents surmise the new levy on restaurant meals has had a negative impact on business since it took effect July 1, and more than half say customers are spending less. Some reported a need to offer more specials to ease diners into the tax transition.
“There’s no question the HST is hurting B.C. restaurants of all types, from fine dining to take-out,” says Garth Whyte, CRFA president and CEO. “On behalf of our members, we will continue to press Premier Campbell for action. With numbers like these, we urgently need government to work with us to mitigate the negative impact of tax harmonization.”
