Share this article Share this article Beer Canada calls on the government to roll-back the April 1 tax increase in the upcoming budget OTTAWA, ON, April 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, the federal government's excise tax on beer has increased for the fifth time in four years, and the second time during the pandemic. This increase will place additional stress on struggling bars and restaurants, as well as the 149,000 Canadians whose jobs are supported by the production and sale of beer. Freeze It For Them Second beer tax increase during the COVID-19 pandemic harmful to bars, restaurants and Canada's economic recovery. Despite ongoing calls by more than 250 businesses and organizations requesting that the federal government put a freeze on beer taxes to provide much-needed relief to the hospitality sector, one of the highest beer tax rates in the world – almost 50% of the price of beer – has gone up yet again.