Only Manitobans have managed to outdo British Columbians this past year when it comes to chowing down and drinking up at restaurants and bars.
Sales at food services and drinking places jumped 10% in B.C., going from $658 million to $724 million between January 2013 and January 2014, according to Stats Canada data released March 31.
That's more than double the national average of 4.7% during the same yearlong period.
Manitoba saw the biggest increase in sales across Canada at 11.9%, rising $126 million to $141 million during that period.
Last year also saw the demise of HST in British Columbia.
When the harmonized sales tax was still in effect, restaurants had to charge patrons 12% tax on food and 12% tax on alcohol.
Since B.C. did away with the HST last April, restaurants now only charge diners 5% GST on food items. But all alcoholic sales must be charge 5% GST and 10% PST – a total 3% higher than the flat 12% HST that was previously charged.
Total sales at food and drinking establishments were worth $4.6 billion across Canada.
