12/14/2024
Support Local & Be Patient 💛
A big shoutout to our friends at The Sandbar Restaurant & Lounge for sharing the challenges small businesses face during the GST holiday (Dec 14, 2024 - Feb 15, 2025). While this is great for savings, adapting to new rules takes time and effort, especially during the busy holiday season.
Let’s be kind and patient with local businesses as they navigate these changes. If something seems off, let them know—they’re doing their best!
Let’s support each other this season!
Please Be Patient with Small Businesses During the GST Holiday
The new GST holiday (December 14, 2024 - February 15, 2025) is great for consumers, offering much-needed relief during the holiday season. However, implementing this change is no small task for independent businesses like ours.
While we all will enjoy the savings, the rules for small businesses can be confusing —like if you buy a NS Spirit Co Blue Lobster Vodka Soda in can (below 7%) being tax-exempt—yet other similar items, like if you order a Vodka Soda from the bar, remain taxable. Understanding these distinctions isn’t easy for staff, and preparing for this change is even harder.
At our restaurant, we have over 1,000 menu items in our POS system. Each must be updated manually to ensure compliance. This work has to happen after closing hours Friday night and before open Saturday to ensure we are charging consumers the correct amount —during one of the busiest times of the year.
We’re committed to making sure your bill reflects the new GST rules, but mistakes can happen. If something seems off, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to fix it.
Please bear with us and all independent small businesses as we adapt overnight to these changes, all while balancing business demands and personal life during the holidays.
P.S. Baby diapers should always be tax-exempt, not just during the GST holiday.