Eatdrink #63 January/February 2017

32 www.eatdrink.ca
contribute to a dynamic tourism industry that stimulates
our economy and has a positive impact on communities
across the province.”
Thinking of a trip to wine country? It’s not just a warm
weather activity. Snow will soon begin to blanket the
vineyards, towns are being decorated for the holidays,
wineries are bustling with activities and winemakers are
anxiously waiting for the perfect temperature to harvest
grapes for Icewine (-8°C). Wine Country Ontario’s
website is a great place to start your planning. www.
winecountryontario.ca.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
11am−2pm
Sun–Tues 11am–11pm, Wed/Thurs 11am–midnight, Fri/Sat 11am–1am
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№ 63 | January/February 2017
Ontario’s craft spirit makers have been engaged in an
uphill battle to amend archaic alcohol taxation laws
and make operating a distillery in this province less
difficult. In November 2016, Finance Minister Charles
Sousa introduced a bill to revamp these tax laws, which
includes a staggering new 61.5% sales tax for stores
owned and operated by Ontario’s small and independent
distilleries. The Ontario Craft Distillers Association
(OCDA) calls the new tax “a major blow to the
sustainability of distilleries working to provide Ontario
farm-to-table, grain-to-glass spirits” and a move which
they say “ignores the lessons of what works and what
doesn’t from Ontario’s own wine and beer tax policy.”
Noting the accelerated growth in Ontario’s craft beer
industry, the OCDA points to encouraging tax laws that
helped make that possible, and asks why comparable
measures can’t be introduced for distillers.
Earlier this year, Ontario made it illegal for employers
to take employees’ tips and other gratuities, except in
limited circumstances. Employers are not allowed to
make deductions from tips for things like spillage, breakage,
losses or damage. These rules affect employers and
employees covered by the Employment Standards Act, 2000
in workplaces where tips and other gratuities are received
— such as at bars, restaurants and catering businesses.
www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/topics/tips.php
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Delicious
Love!
Valentine’s Day
Feb. 13 & 14
bistro & caterer
46 Blackfriars Street, London | 519-667-4930 | www.blackfriarsbistro.com
Reservations
Required