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Liquor regulation changes take effect today

The provincial government says they have implemented 90 per cent of the changes from the liquor policy review
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An updated Liquor Control and Licencing Act and regulations come into force today, Jan. 22, following through on the Liquor Policy Review's 73 recommendations to update laws and reduce red tape.

Several of the recommendations required new laws or regulations to be implemented. The new act and regulation increase flexibility for businesses and spur economic growth by allowing:

  • all types of businesses, like barbershops, salons, book stores and art galleries, to apply for a liquor licence or apply for a special event permit, formerly a special occasion licence, to reduce red tape involved in organizing events and festivals

  • hotels and resorts that own a bar on the premises to offer guests a complimentary alcoholic beverage upon check-in and permit guests to carry their drinks from licenced areas directly to their rooms

  • allowing restaurants and bars to create unique cocktails through liquor infusions and barrel aging, keeping up with the cocktail culture that has emerged in Europe, the United States and across Canada;

  • theatres to permit customers to consume liquor purchased on-site in both the lobby and licensed seating areas when minors are present, similar to arenas and stadiums

  • restaurants to apply to operate as a bar or nightclub after a certain hour and bars to apply for a restaurant licence to operate as a restaurant during certain hours

With the new legislation and regulations coming into effect, the provincial government says nearly 90 per cent of the Liquor Policy Review recommendations have been implemented.

"We've come a long way since we first began the process of updating B.C.'s antiquated liquor laws," said Coralee Oakes, minister responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch. "We have created new opportunities for businesses, increased choice for British Columbians, and enhanced our commitment to public health and safety."

Other changes cut red tape for producers and increased sales possibilities, like allowing sales at artisan and farmers' markets and allowing licensed grocery stores to carry 100 per cent B.C. wine. Another recommendation eliminated beer gardens by allowing an entire special event site to be licensed.

"The reforms put in place, such as the prudent roll-out of 100% B.C. wine sales in grocery stores and farmers markets, are providing convenience and choice to consumers," said Miles Proden, president and CEO of the B.C. Wine Institute.

Read the full list of Liquor Policy Review recommendations: www2.gov.bc.ca/local/haveyoursay/Docs/liquor_policy_review_report.pdf

Related:

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City reverses on wine bylaw