BC Liquor Policy Review
Engagement Summary
In the fall of 2013, Parliamentary Secretary John Yap hosted a public consultation with citizens and stakeholders to review B.C. liquor policy. Input was gathered online, through stakeholder meetings and submissions, and by email. A final report was submitted to Attorney General, and Minister of Justice, Suzanne Anton in early 2014.
The B.C. Liquor Policy Review made 73 recommendations to modernize B.C.’s liquor laws and bring convenience, choice and selection to consumers. These changes also support B.C.’s liquor manufacturers, along with the tourism and hospitality industry, and private liquor retailers.
Engagement Timeframe:
September 14 to October 31, 2013
Input Received:
- 4,364 online comments
- 41,195 citizen comment ratings
- 3,587 email submissions
- 4,892 mentions on Twitter
Input leads to action:
As of November 2016, a total of 48 have been implemented, and government is continuing to work on the remaining recommendations.
Highlights from 2017:
- As of January 23, 2017 an updated Liquor Control and Licencing Act and regulation have come into force that will create new opportunities for businesses, increase convenience for consumers, and enhance the Province’s commitment to social responsibility.
- For-profit businesses will be able to apply for Special Event Permits (previously Special Occasion Licences) and accept liability for liquor service at their events.
- Licenced restaurants, bars, manufacturers, and caterers will be able to age and infuse liquor in order to create their own unique craft cocktails.
- All types of B.C. businesses , such as barber shops, salons, book stores, and more, will be able to apply for a
liquor licence. - Hotels and resorts will be able to permit guests to carry unfinished liquor from the hotel bar or restaurant directly to their rooms.
- Hotels and resorts that own a bar will be able to give a complimentary cocktails to guests upon check-in.
Highlights from 2016:
- A minimum price for retail alcohol purchases has been set to help ensure that liquor with very low wholesale prices is not retailed at prices that may encourage abuse or overconsumption.
- Guests at overnight accommodation spots such as a hotel can now order a cocktail through room service 24/7, provided food is also available.
- People can now host hobby brewer and hobby vintner competitions using Special Occasion Licences.
- The Province is supporting increased consumer choice and encouraging the growth of B.C. small businesses by modernizing policy to allow any establishment that sells liquor to provide samples in a socially responsible manner.
- Liquor Licence applications will be processed more efficiently
Highlights from 2015:
- Liquor sales are now allowed in grocery stores using one of two models – wine-on-shelves or store-in-store.
- B.C. small businesses benefitted from removal of the lounge restriction for restaurants which are no longer legally have to have a separate lounge area in order for customers to enjoy a drink if they don’t want food.
- People can now enjoy a signature beverage at a manufacturer’s on-site lounge OR choose from an assortment of other alcohol drinks produced off-site.
- Special Occasion Licence applications, used for events such as small weddings, club meetings, church banquets, sports tournaments, music festivals etc., have been moved to a simpler online process.
- B.C. introduced a new wholesale model for liquor purchases – all retail stores in B.C. now pay the same wholesale price for liquor.
- BC Liquor Stores and private retailers are now operating from the same set of rules, allowing for greater transparency and competition, and enabling government stores to offer refrigeration, extended operating hours and Sunday openings.
- Artisan markets have the green light to allow liquor manufacturers to sell their beer, cider, wine and spirits. This builds on the 2014 liquor policy review change allowing B.C. liquor sales at farmers’ markets.
- Craft brewers can now showcase their products at the closest BC Liquor Store – even before they’ve proven themselves in the larger marketplace.
- Craft brewers can grow their business and produce more beer without being worried about a large jump in the amount of mark-up they’ll have to pay if they go over a certain production amount – the mark-up is now gradual.
Highlights from 2014:
- Licensees such as pubs, restaurants and lounges selling drinks by the glass, may alter their liquor prices throughout the course of the day to host “happy hour”.
- Government removed the requirement for fencing around beer gardens at festivals and special events, provided there are no public-safety concerns.
- Customers don’t have to buy food to enjoy a beverage at a food-primary – the overall focus still needs to be on food service, with a full menu offered whenever liquor is being served.
- Customers can now carry their own drinks from one adjoining licensed area to another, such as from a pub to an adjoining restaurant.
- Mixed-spirit drinks are now allowed at Special Occasion Licence (SOL) events, like festivals, as well as at arenas and stadiums.
- More than 350 pubs and legions now allow kids, up until 10 p.m., so that families can have brunch at a local pub or enjoy a meal together.
You can read more about the engagement at:
Liquor Policy Review Implementation Table
Wine in Grocery Stores Fact Sheet