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Business Groups Urge Alberta to Scrap New Wine Levy
The tax adds up to 15% on wine prices, causing a 40% sales drop for B.C. wineries and financial strain on Alberta hospitality businesses, industry groups say.
- On Jan. 14, 2026, a coalition of Canadian wineries, restaurants, import agents and Alberta retail and hospitality businesses urged the Government of Alberta to repeal its ad valorem wine tax at a press conference at Metrovino Fine Wines in Calgary.
- The AGLC structured the change as an ad valorem markup of 5%, 10%, and 15% on wines over $11.25 per 750 ml bottle, starting April 1, 2025.
- Industry leaders highlighted that a Dirty Laundry Winery Merlot now costs $35.49, about 20% more, as Phoebe Fung, owner of the Vin Room, said she absorbed that increase.
- Industry groups warn Alberta restaurateurs and retail operators report losses, with some absorbing costs or facing closures, due to declining sales and price hikes, the coalition said.
- The government noted revenue figures indicating the ad valorem tax generated an estimated $6.4 million last year and expects about $9 million this fiscal year, while Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally said the tax is used by many provinces.
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18 Articles
18 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Business groups urge Alberta to scrap new wine levy
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 27%
13%
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