The HST Break is Here!

The HST Break is in effect from December 14, 2024 to February 15, 2025.

The Government of Canada is initiating a tax break for all Canadians between December 14^th, 2024 and February 15^th, 2025 on certain items including many of the products that ANBL sells.

Which ANBL products qualify for the HST break?

Beer and malt beverages
Wine, cider and sake (including fortified) that are 22.9% alcohol by volume (ABV) or less
Spirit-coolers and premixed alcoholic beverages that are 7% ABV or less

Where will I see the HST tax break applied to my purchase?

The HST will be removed from all qualifying products during transactions at cash, and customer receipts will accurately reflect the tax break.

Do the prices displayed on the store shelf reflect the HST break?

All pricing and discounts shown in-store include HST.

As you can appreciate, the Government of Canada made this announcement a few weeks ago, while most of our promotional campaigns and materials are planned months in advance.

Because the turnaround time was too tight to adjust in-store price tags and promotional material, ANBL made a business decision to remove the HST from all qualifying products during transactions at cash.

The HST will not be added to qualifying products during transactions.

Customer receipts will accurately reflect the tax break.

Do the prices displayed on the website reflect the tax break?

The prices shown on our website accurately reflect the tax break on qualifying products.

In the event of a discrepancy between the price shown on ANBL.com and the price at cash, the price at cash shall prevail.

I still have questions – what can I do?

We want your shopping experience to be as smooth as possible and can appreciate that you might have additional questions.

Here’s what you can do:

Check the detailed Q+A below for more info.
Get in touch by sending an email to HST-TVH@anbl.com.
Visit the Government of Canada website for more HST Tax Break Information.

Have questions about a specific purchase made during the HST break?

Please send an email to HST-TVH@anbl.com with a photo/scan of your receipt. Your request will be reviewed by the appropriate team member at ANBL in a timely manner.

Detailed Questions & Answers

What products are included in the HST break?

This tax break applies to specific items and will impact many of the products you purchase including:

Beer and malt beverages
Wine, cider and sake (including fortified) that are 22.9% alcohol by volume (ABV) or less
Spirit-coolers and premixed alcoholic beverages that are 7% ABV or less

Spirits are not included in this HST break.

What about low-alcohol (less than 22.9% ABV) liqueurs?

Liqueurs are considered spirits and are therefore excluded from the HST break, per the Government of Canada’s direction.

Are non-alcohol products included in the HST break?

Yes, all non-alcohol products sold by ANBL are included. HST will be removed at the cash.

Why is the price on the shelf different than what’s on my receipt?

All pricing and discounts shown in-store include HST. The HST will be removed from all qualifying products during transactions at cash, and customer receipts will accurately reflect the HST break.

How long is the HST break in effect?

The HST break runs from December 14, 2024 to February 15, 2025.

Will I still get the special price on things like 12 Wines of Christmas and other promotions?

Yes, all of ANBL’s promotions are continuing. The HST reduction is an extra amount off the purchase price.

Where on my receipt does it show where the tax was removed?

HST is displayed as a separate line item on your receipt. For products eligible for the HST break, you will not see an amount for HST on your receipt. You will see a reduction in the amount you paid as compared to the shelf price, as shelf prices include HST.

Your ad said I would save a specific dollar amount off this product, but the savings on my receipt doesn’t match. Why?

All shelf prices and promotional materials are HST inclusive. You received the $2 promotion, less the embedded HST.

I bought spirits, a bottle of wine, and a six-pack. How do I tell from my receipt that you only charged tax on the spirits?

The amount of HST on your receipt should reflect 15% of the price of the spirits purchased, less the bottle deposit.

Are the bottle deposit and recycling fees included or excluded in the tax rate?

The recycling fee is included in ANBL’s base pricing; when the HST is removed from the product, it’s also removed from the recycling fee. The bottle deposit is added after the HST calculation.

Can you tell me the HST-excluded price of a specific product?

Because of the promotional discounts that we’re offering right now, it’s difficult to calculate an exact price outside of our point-of-sale system. The best we could do is an estimate, and we wouldn’t want to give you inaccurate information. The website price should be accurate, however, in the event of a discrepancy between the price shown on the website and price at cash, the price at cash prevails.

Why didn’t you adjust your prices on your promotional materials and price tags?

As you can appreciate, the Government of Canada made this announcement recently and most of our promotional campaigns and materials are planned months in advance. The turnaround time was too tight to adjust every single price tag and promotional materials. Our teams have added extra in-store signage and communication materials to ensure, as much as possible, that customers are fully informed. All eligible discounts and tax breaks will be applied at checkout, and receipts will accurately reflect the HST break.

I disagree with the amount on my receipt; I don’t think the HST was removed accurately. How do I dispute it?

Please send an email to HST-TVH@anbl.com with a photo/scan of your receipt. Your request will be reviewed by the appropriate party at ANBL in a timely manner.

On the receipt, it has a line item with the total “savings” amount. Does that include the tax?

No. All savings noted on your receipt are reflective of promotional savings only. HST is only displayed on receipts for HST-applicable purchases (i.e. spirits). No HST is calculated or displayed for products eligible for the HST break.