B.C. restaurant and pub sales dipped 0.6% between September and October – the biggest decrease in the country – Statistics Canada reported December 22.
Canada-wide, sales at restaurants and pubs rose 0.5% to $4.3 billion between September and October.
During the same period, the price of food purchased in restaurants increased 0.4%, as measured by the consumer price index.
The sluggish sales provide ammunition for those who oppose the harmonized sales tax (HST) and want it eliminated as soon as possible.
Seven provinces posted higher sales in October compared with September. The largest increases were in:
- Newfoundland and Labrador (7.2);
- Alberta (1.6%); and
- Nova Scotia and Quebec (1.1%).
Prince Edward Island, like B.C., saw its restaurant sales fall 0.6%.
Glen Korstrom
@GlenKorstrom