Update on the Temporary Authorization for LPs During FIFA World Cup

Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,

As you are aware, Liquor Primary establishments have been granted temporary authorization to extend their hours of operation during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, November 20-December 18, 2022. This will not apply to liquor service hours.

Please read Policy Directive 22-15 for full the details of the temporary authorization.

ABLE BC and our industry colleagues at the BCRFA and Restaurants Canada asked the LCRB to also extend liquor service hours during the World Cup. If you attended the SPARK Conference on November 15, you would have heard directly from David Hume, General Manager of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), and ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, about the considerations and consultations required to make this decision.

The LCRB looked closely at our proposal to extend liquor service hours to 7 am for the FIFA World Cup. However, in consultation with industry, police, health care, and local government leaders, important concerns were raised about the impacts on public safety and the pressure those impacts could place on already stretched police and healthcare resources.

While the LCRB was open to our proposal, municipal governments would need considerable time to implement health and safety guidelines.

We will work with the LCRB on this for future sporting events and provide updates as they are available.