Changes announced today include the following:
* Brewers and distillers now can apply to have an on-site consumption area such as a lounge, tasting room or event area. * Small- and medium-sized liquor manufacturers will be allowed up to three common ownership and business relationships with licensed establishments located off their manufacturing site.
* Rules around how liquor manufacturers can promote their products in bars and restaurants have been simplified by removing the requirement for a buy-sell agreement.
* Distilled liquor products that consist of 100 per cent British Columbia agricultural raw materials and are distilled in B.C. by licensed distilleries are now eligible for mark-up exempt direct sales.
* A honourary B.C. wine envoy will be named with a mandate to work to complement existing efforts to open up domestic markets for B.C. wines.
* Wine stores will become licensees under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.
* The criteria on whether private liquor stores can relocate within one kilometre of an existing liquor store are now set out in regulation rather than policy.
* All increases to liquor-primary capacity will now require local government input.
* Allowing rural agency stores to purchase unlimited amounts of beer through their local government liquor store.
Quick facts:
Over the past year, the Province has made changes to modernize liquor laws in B.C. including:
Liquor in theatres - * Provides flexibility to live-event venues and revises liquor laws for movie theatres.
Corkage - bring your own bottle - * Provides opportunities for restaurant customers that want to bring their own wine into a licensed dining establishment.
Personal importation of liquor into B.C. - * Allows B.C. residents to bring back an unlimited amount of 100 per cent Canadian wine if it is for personal consumption and purchased from a recognized winery in another province, or choose to have it shipped from the winery directly to their home. Also allows B.C. residents returning from another Canadian province to bring back on-their-person up to nine litres of wine, three litres of spirits, and a combined total of 25.6 litres of beer, cider or coolers for personal consumption.
Licensing of Caterers - * Allows caterers to apply for a liquor licence to help them fully meet the food and beverage needs of their clients - this supports industry and strengthens tourism appeal.
via Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas Liquor Control and Licensing Branch Liquor Distribution Branch
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