URGENT Update: BC’s pubs, bars & restaurants can sell liquor with takeout & delivery permanently

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

This morning, BC’s Solicitor General Mike Farnworth announced that Liquor and Food Primaries are permanently authorized to sell packaged liquor of all types for off-site consumption with the purchase of a meal for takeout or delivery.

This policy change is intended to provide long-term financial support to the hospitality industry and aid industry recovery from the pandemic. It also fulfills the commitment made in Minister Farnworth’s mandate letter.

The policy was originally set to expire to on March 31, 2021.

The sale and delivery of packaged liquor for off-site consumption continues to be subject to terms and conditions and provisions in the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation. Licensees should be fully aware of these requirements before they commence the sale and delivery of packaged liquor. 

For the purposes of the terms and conditions, the word ‘unopened’ in the regulation means packaged in the container the manufacturer sold the product in.

For more information: 

Reminder: to-go cups and mixed cocktails not allowed

A reminder to all licensees: selling liquor or pre-mixed cocktails in to-go cups or solo cups is currently not allowed.

Selling cocktails or other beverages in “to go” containers contravenes the terms and conditions of your license and will make you subject to possible enforcement action.

Other provinces, such as Ontario, now allow the sale of bottled cocktails to go. We are currently exploring the possibility of allowing this in BC with government.

Positive change through partnership

Today’s announcement comes as a direct result of ongoing advocacy efforts by ABLE BC and the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP).
ABLE BC has been proud to work alongside the BCRFA, BC Craft Brewers Guild, and others as part of BTAP, which was been advising government on liquor policy reforms since 2018 and throughout this COVID crisis.

More policy work underway

Work is underway by government on several other measures identified within BTAP’s report. We will share more information with you as it becomes available.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.

Ann Brydle