CRFA action quashes new fee for Edmonton licensees

(May 28/10) Following strong CRFA and industry opposition, Responsible Hospitality Edmonton (RHE) has decided not to proceed with its proposed association and mandatory licensee fee.  (Click here for RHE’s report.)

Last June, Edmonton City Council approved RHE’s proposal to charge licensees a mandatory $280 levy to fund a new association.  The proposed Responsible Hospitality Edmonton Association would consist of licensed establishments in Edmonton committed to responsible alcohol service best practices.

In response, CRFA wrote to Council, strongly opposing the fee for a government association the industry did not call for.  CRFA also initiated a letter-writing campaign for licensed members to voice their opposition to RHE’s proposal.

Following CRFA’s recommendation to further consult with Edmonton licensees on this proposal, RHE sought feedback through a licensee questionnaire and meeting invitation.  Most questionnaire responses and all meeting attendees opposed RHE’s proposal, leaving them with no choice but to withdraw it.

CRFA would like to thank everyone who responded to our call to action against RHE’s proposed association and licensee fee.