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GENERAL UPDATES

The federal government tax break and what this means for LCBO customers

13 Dec 2024

In response to the federal government’s plans to exempt GST/HST on holiday essentials, LCBO will be removing HST from eligible products between December 14, 2024 and February 15, 2025.

Products eligible for the removal of HST include:

  • Beer and cider

  • Wine (including fortified wine and sake) up to 22.9% ABV

  • Spirit-based ready-to-drink coolers (7% or less ABV*) and malt or wine-based ready-to-drink coolers (no ABV* limit)

  • Any non-alcoholic/de-alcoholized beverages

Gift cards and accessories such as gift bags, reusable bags and glassware are not qualifying goods outlined by the federal government.

Purchase prices online will reflect the discounted price starting December 14, while HST will be removed from the shelf price at the store checkout.

We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience as we support these changes over the busy holiday period. We also would like to remind customers that our in-store experts can help you find eligible products, and you can also filter products by ‘alcohol by volume’ (ABV) on LCBO.com.

*Alcohol by volume (ABV)

 

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to do differently from December 14?

Nothing! If you are shopping online, eligible product prices have the HST removed. If you are shopping in store, the shelf price will not have the HST removed, but don’t worry, HST will be removed from eligible products at the checkout.

How can I tell if a spirit-based ready-to-drink cooler – for example – is above 7% alcohol by volume (ABV)?

There are a couple of ways to check ABV:

  1. You can look up the product on LCBO.com; the ABV is shown as part of the individual product details. You can also filter all categories (e.g. coolers) by ABV.

  2. ABV is typically on the product label.

  3. Ask one of our friendly customer service representatives for help in store.

Does this mean that HST is not being removed from spirits?

Correct. Spirits are not qualifying goods outlined by the federal government.

For an Aeroplan promotion, will the spend thresholds change?

No, they remain the same. Customers must meet this threshold to get the Aeroplan offer.

Why am I seeing a price in Food & Drink or the Vintages catalogue that doesn't match in store pricing?

Our Food & Drink magazine and Vintages New Release catalogue were printed before the federal government’s announcement on November 21, so it does not reflect the tax-exempt prices. Please visit LCBO.com from December 14, for the tax-exempt price or speak to your local customer service representative in store.

LCBO Return Policy

As a reminder, customers are required to return the product along with a valid receipt. While typically, customers must return a product within 30 days of purchase, to provide greater flexibility during the holiday period, any purchases after November 1, 2024, must be returned by January 31, 2025.

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