Login / RegisterLiquor-rule reform in B.C. urged by arts groups
A push to reform provincial liquor rules is resonating with organizers of the annual Vancouver International Fringe Festival.
“We would definitely…support any changes that would make it easier to support the festival and the work of artists,” Fringe director of development Gareth Duncan told the Straight.
Duncan said the ability to serve liquor at specially licensed Fringe events is key in adding a social component to the independent theatre festival and generating revenue.
While the festival has no major problems with the existing rules, any improvements to the process around applying for special-occasion licences would be welcomed, he said.
“We start our application processes months in advance, and if that were easier, if it were a shorter timeline, great,” Duncan said.
The Campaign for Culture, a recently formed nonprofit group, also has concerns with the rules around special-occasion licences for cultural events. Executive director Elin Tayyar said event organizers face unnecessary restrictions around hours of operation, how much they can charge for certain drinks, and more.
“There hasn’t been a big overhaul of the system, there hasn’t been a big update, and so we’re left with rules that don’t make sense and are based on really old dogmas,” Tayyar told the Straight.
