How Can Governments Thirst for Increased Tax Revenues be Squared With It's So-Called Concern for Those Suffering From Addictions
Why does the provincial government want to make it easier for alcohol to be accessible? Well I don't wish to be cynical, however here are a few things you may wish to understand and be aware of. Let's start with this ... According to the Provincial Sales Tax Act , businesses are obligated by law to charge 10% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on sales of liquor with an alcohol content higher than 1% (beer, ciders and coolers, mixed drinks, spirits and liqueurs, and wine). As well, they also are required to charge 10% PST on chill charges, or other extra charges, included in the selling price of liquor. That makes the sale, and consumption, of alcoholic beverages a huge revenue generator to BC's provincial government ... in fact to the tune of hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars. And any loss of those revenues would be viewed with (I believe) a great deal of alarm. So I ask you then, "Is it possible that the loosening of regula...