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(Jan. 16/08) The decision by the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to eliminate the 2% supplemental fee on licensee purchases of wine and spirits comes as welcome news to Manitoba’s foodservice industry.
The April 1, 2008 end to the levy will save the industry more than $785,000 in 2008. To offset the loss in revenue, the MLCC will increase license costs for 2008-2009, resulting in net savings of $350,000 to licensees in 2008.
The new fees will be included in the license renewal invoices that are mailed out in January 2008. License fees will rise from $200 to $300 per year for dining rooms, private clubs, sports facilities (including hunting and fishing lodges), canteens, and transportation; and from $200 to $500 per year for beverage rooms, cocktail lounges, cabarets, spectator activities, and retail.
Fees for liquor license applications will also change. Effective April 1, 2008, the fee to apply for a new license will increase to $500 from $200, and the fee to apply for an additional license at the same location, or a change in ownership of shares, will increase to $300 from $200.
Applications for renewal of existing licenses will reflect the new fees, and will be mailed to licensees in mid-January. Renewal applications must be returned to Licenses & Permits no later than March 1, 2008. Licensees not filing their application by that date will be required to pay a late filing fee of $150 (increased from $50).
CRFA has lobbied for the elimination of the supplemental fee for many years, and is pleased the MLCC has joined most other Canadian jurisdictions in eliminating this unfair levy.
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