BC ending PST exemption on all carbonated sugary beverages next month

A planned tax change that was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will go into effect next month.

The BC government announced Friday that as of April 1, the province will scrap the provincial sales tax (PST) exemption on carbonated beverages that contain sugar or natural or artificial sweeteners.

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Starting April 1, BC will begin charging PST on sweetened carbonated beverages, a move the province said is “supported by health professionals due to the health costs and impacts of sweetened drinks.”

The PST will apply to all beverages that are dispensed through soda fountains, soda guns or similar equipment, along with all beverages dispensed through vending machines.