BACKGROUNDER |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
| PDF Version |
| Original News Release |
Major changes to liquor licensing regulations that have been approved and take effect on Dec. 2 include the following key elements.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Seven liquor licence categories and 19 licence classes. |
Two licence types: food primary (restaurants) and liquor primary (bars and pubs). This will result in a 41 per cent reduction in regulatory requirements and a 21 per cent reduction in the actual number of regulations. A new fee structure will reflect the shift to two licence classes. |
This will mean a simpler set of rules for licensees to follow and liquor inspectors and police to enforce.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
A variety of different processes for different licence classes. |
Two licence processes: one for food primary (restaurants) and one for liquor primary (bars and pubs). Restaurants will require local government input only if the application includes late-night hours or patron participation entertainment like dancing or karaoke. Liquor primary licence applications will require input from the local government or First Nation on the number of such establishments, the proposal’s size, its impact on the community, and the opinions of residents.
|
Applying for a liquor licence will be more straightforward and the process will be more consistent, striking a balance between efficient handling of applications and the need for thoroughness and community input.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Licensees have to check identification if a patron appears to be under 19. One piece of government-issued photo identification is required. |
Licensees will need to check identification on any patron who appears to be under 25. Two pieces of identification will be required. |
This change will help ensure that people under 19 don’t drink liquor in licensed establishments.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Eligibility to hold some liquor licence classes depends on having a particular kind of building, such as a hotel. Some licensees are required to provide certain services or facilities (such as a certain number of hotel rooms, recreation facilities or dance floors). |
Any business primarily in the hospitality, entertainment, food or beverage business – except for those that are youth-oriented and a small number of other exceptions – will be eligible to apply for a liquor licence. Licensees will not be required to have hotel rooms or other non-licensed services or facilities. |
This change means more choices for consumers, without necessarily increasing the total number of licensed establishments.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Most liquor primary licence classes have had rigid limits on capacity that did not relate to the size of the facility, community need or other local issues. |
New applications will be individually reviewed, taking into account the desired size and the facility’s potential impact on the community. This will include local government input. The new regulations do not include set maximum capacities. The number of people allowed in a facility will be governed by fire, building and local government regulations and bylaws. |
The new system is more responsive to community needs and is consistent with other provinces.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Restaurants have generally not been permitted to serve liquor without food. One exception to this is in a designated food-optional area. Rules governing these areas were too inflexible, with the result that few restaurateurs took advantage of them. The other exception is when the majority of persons at a table are ordering food. The minority can order just an alcoholic drink. |
Restaurants will be required to demonstrate that they are primarily engaged in the service of food but won’t have to show that every customer intends to order a meal before staff can serve them a drink. Restaurants will also be able to have lounge areas of up to 20 per cent of the dining area, to a maximum capacity of 40, where customers may order liquor without food. Approval for a restaurant lounge will be part of the regular restaurant liquor licensing process. The new regulations will not require local governments to review each application. |
This change allows restaurants to run their own business, while preserving the primary food service role of restaurants.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Rigid rules on hours, specific to each licence class. |
Businesses may apply for any hours of service between 9 a.m. and 4 a.m. Approval will be given on a case-by-case basis, taking into account issues like the impact on nearby residents. Late-night openings require input from local government and will not be approved if they are contrary to the public interest. |
This change puts all licensees under the same rules. In cases where local government supports later closing hours, one of the potential benefits is to spread out customer departure times, which could reduce noise and other behaviour issues.
|
Old System |
New System |
|
Private clubs like legions and some golf courses are a separate class of licence. They are not generally open to the public. |
Clubs will continue to have certain privileges and restrictions. They will be the only sub-category within the liquor primary licence class. |
The rules for liquor service in private clubs will not change. It is not in the interest of the community or the clubs to convert about 350 private clubs into public bars.
These regulatory changes also remove a large number of liquor regulations that are not required to ensure responsible liquor service and public safety. For example:
· Bars and pubs will be able to apply to the liquor control and licensing branch to increase their licensed capacity to the occupant load.
· Any licensed facility that offers overnight accommodation will be able to provide room service.
· Customers will be allowed to take home partially consumed bottles of wine that have been recorked by the licensed establishment.
· Regulations on employee attire, and the requirement that a licensee get approval to have vending machines, are being removed.
· The size of areas for games such as foosball and darts will not be limited, and games in restaurants will be allowed, provided the primary focus is still on the service of food.
· The process for wineries to have a winery lounge or picnicking area will be simplified, and they will not have to submit semi-annual production reports.
The changes require repeal of the Liquor Control and Licensing regulations. The regulations have been rewritten in a format that is easier to understand, and will be subject to ongoing review.
· Existing establishments will automatically be placed in either liquor primary or food primary licence classes effective Dec. 2.
· Until then, all licensees will operate under the current licensing system.
· Licensees wanting to change their hours or capacity to take advantage of the new rules may apply for a licence change after Dec. 2. Local government support will be required to extend operating hours.
· In addition to the liquor licensing changes, applications for new licensee retail stores (commonly known as cold beer and wine stores) will be accepted until Nov. 29.
· The application process will be reassessed at the end of November.
· Eligibility to apply will be limited to those who hold an existing commercial bar licence.
· Commercial bars include hotels with pubs/ lounges, neighbourhood/ marine/ restoration pubs, resorts and cabarets.
· People who have a completed application for a commercial bar licence on file with the liquor control and licensing branch as of Aug. 12 and who have received approval in principle by Nov. 25 may also apply.
· Applicants must have a good compliance record and space at their current site for the development of a storefront.
-30-
|
Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services. |
||
|
|
||
|
contact: |
Liquor Control and Licensing Branch 250 387-1254 |
|
