Saskatchewan provincial sales tax expansion comes into effect this Saturday

"It's going to hit different people at different income levels differently," economics associate professor Jason Childs says in response to the PST expansion in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan residents may need to dig a little deeper into their wallets.

On Oct. 1., the provincial sales tax (PST) of six per cent will be implemented on admission and entertainment charges.

The sales tax will apply to sporting events, concerts, museums, movies, and green fees at golf courses.

Despite the announcement made in March, some business operators are still not welcoming the news.

“The industry is just starting to recover from two years of being closed or two plus years being closed. And this is like another blow,” Chief Executive Officer of TCU Place Tammy Sweeney told Global News.

Sweeney believes that taxing concert venues will discourage some residents to purchase tickets, saying that will have a ripple effect on other businesses when those out of town are looking for places to eat or shop.

“It also will impact other businesses around Saskatoon. Here in Saskatoon, like restaurants and retailers, and gas stations. So if there are fewer shows in Saskatoon, all of those businesses take a step down a little bit, too, and they’re not generating just the additional cost from those things,” Sweeney added.

Some businesses, including TCU Place, have recently advertised on social media to purchase tickets and merchandise ahead of October to avoid the tax.