The Impact of US-Canada Tariffs on the Hospitality Industry
In recent months, discussions around new tariffs on US-made products entering Canada have sent shockwaves through the hospitality and beverage industries. With a potential 20% tariff hike, businesses are scrambling to rethink their supply chains, evaluate alternative sourcing, and find ways to offset the rising costs.
For bars and restaurants already navigating the pressures of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increasing operational costs, this additional financial burden could mean price hikes for customers, reduced margins, and even changes to beverage offerings.
Understandably, such a sudden increase in costs sparks concern. But while operators are focused on mitigating tariffs' impact, many unknowingly allow an equally damaging cost to persist behind the bar—liquor loss and waste.
The Hidden Cost of 20% Liquor Loss in Bars
According to industry audits from Sculpture Hospitality and Barmetrix, bars and restaurants lose an average of 15-20% of their liquor due to over-pouring, spillage, shrinkage, and theft. This means that for every $10,000 in liquor sales, up to $2,000 is effectively disappearing—unnoticed and unaccounted for.
Compare this loss to the potential tariff increase. A 20% tariff is understandably frustrating, but a continuous 20% revenue leak from liquor waste is an ongoing issue that many businesses fail to address with the same urgency.
Why the disconnect? Perhaps it’s a matter of visibility. Tariffs are imposed externally and feel like an unavoidable cost of doing business. Liquor loss, on the other hand, is internal—often brushed off as “just part of the industry.”
But what if there was a way to prevent this revenue drain?
Accountability: A Crucial Mindset Shift for Profitability
US Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy famously says, “Inspect what you expect.” In other words, if you demand consistent standards and profitability from your bar, you need to hold your team—and your tools—accountable.
A significant portion of liquor loss stems from poor pouring practices, inaccurate jigger measurements, and inconsistent serving sizes. Without proper tools and oversight, bartenders are left to eyeball their pours, leading to excessive waste and inconsistent cocktails. This not only impacts profit margins but also affects customer experience and brand reputation.
Investing in the right bar tools isn’t an expense—it’s an insurance policy against unnecessary loss. The good news? While there’s little you can do to stop tariffs (as you might think), liquor loss is completely within your control.
The Überbartools Solution: Accurate Pouring for Maximum Profitability
Überbartools is committed to helping hospitality businesses combat liquor loss with professional-grade bar tools designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.
ProFlow™ Speed Pourers – The Perfect Bottle Fit
One of the leading causes of over-pouring and leakage is using ill-fitting speed pourers. The ProFlow Speed Pourer is designed to solve this problem by offering:
- Five distinct cork sizes for a secure fit on any bottle neck.
- A stop-and-start flow mechanism for accurate pouring.
- A durable, easy-to-clean design with a 2-year warranty against breakage.
With ProFlow, you can eliminate spills, reduce over-pouring, and ensure consistent serving sizes across all spirits.
Perfect Pour Jiggers – Consistency in Every Cocktail
Jiggers play a crucial role in cocktail consistency, yet many bars still rely on outdated, inaccurate models. Our perfect pour Jigger features:
- Dual and multi-volume measurements for versatility.
- Engraved volume markings for easy identification.
- A sleek, ergonomic design that speeds up service without sacrificing accuracy.
By standardizing measurements, bars can reduce waste and improve cocktail consistency, leading to happier customers and higher profits.
Ready to Take Control of Your Liquor Costs?
As the industry reacts to changing tariffs, now is the perfect time to take a proactive approach to liquor loss. The reality is, a 20% tariff might affect certain imports, but a 20% liquor loss affects every pour, every shift, every day.
Instead of simply absorbing rising costs, businesses should look inward at operational efficiencies. By investing in better tools and systems, you can safeguard your profits, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable, profitable bar program.
Canadian Operators: Solve Two Problems with One Smart Move
For Canadian hospitality businesses, Überbartools offers a unique advantage—you can tackle both tariff concerns and liquor loss in one simple switch. Our premium bar tools are Australian-made, meaning they are tariff-free when imported into Canada. This instantly removes the added 20% cost burden many US-made products now carry.
At the same time, our industry-leading bar tools help eliminate liquor loss, ensuring every pour is profitable and every bottle lasts longer. With ProFlow speed pourers and our jiggers, you’re investing in better margins, lower waste, and greater consistency—all without the headache of tariffs.
Let’s Talk – How Can We Help?
We understand the challenges Canadian bars, pubs, restaurants and distilleries are facing, and we’re here to help you navigate both tariff concerns and liquor loss solutions. If you’d like to discuss how Überbartools can support your business, or if you have questions about our products, reach out to us today.