Restaurants Canada has released the COVID-19 edition of its ‘Raise the Bar’ report giving New Brunswick the title of ‘Most Improved’ province for significantly improving liquor policy conditions.
It is the fourth time since 2015 that Restaurants Canada has given each province a report card on how industry-friendly their liquor policy landscape is for bars and restaurants.
In this year’s report, New Brunswick moved up two grades from a D-minus to a B-minus, and earned the title of ‘Most Improved’ province.
The association mentioned in a release that it is mainly due to the New Brunswick Liquor Corporation (ANBL) introducing a license pricing rebate program for bars and restaurants during the first quarter for 2020, which is part of a three-year plan to become more competitive with neighbouring jurisdictions.
“New Brunswick has demonstrated an impressive willingness to make long-overdue changes to its liquor policy landscape,” said Richard Alexander, Restaurants Canada Vice President, Atlantic Canada in a release.
“With bars and restaurants continuing to struggle in the wake of COVID-19, keeping up progress in this area will go a long way to support their road to recovery,” added Alexander.