Despite an economy that continues to struggle, Albertans are still keen on eating and drinking out.

New data released on Thursday by Statistics Canada showed that sales in the food services and drinking places industry rose to $796.127 million across Alberta in September.

That represented a hike of 0.1 per cent from August and was 2.1 per cent higher than a year ago.

Nationally, sales grew by 0.5 per cent to $6.1 billion in September.

“Higher receipts were reported at limited-service restaurants (+0.5 per cent), special food services (+2.3 per cent) and full-service restaurants (+0.2 per cent). Sales at drinking places were down 0.9 per cent,” said the federal agency.

StatsCan also said sales increased 5.6 per cent year-over-year in the third quarter across the country. Sales increased at full-service restaurants (+5.7 per cent), limited-service restaurants (+5.5 per cent), special food services (+8.0 per cent) and drinking places (+0.5 per cent).

“Prices for food purchased from restaurants rose 4.4 per cent year over year in the third quarter, while prices for alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments were up 3.0 per cent,” it said.

“Prices for food purchased from restaurants rose 4.3 per cent year over year in September, while prices for alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments were up 3.2 per cent.”

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