B.C. launches review of liquor laws

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      A review of B.C.’s liquor laws is beginning today (August 7), as letters are sent out to stakeholders in the province seeking feedback.

      According to a news release from the B.C. Ministry of Justice, letters will be sent to over 10,000 liquor licensees and liquor agency stores over the coming weeks. A second phase of the review process will be launched in September, when the ministry will seek public input through a liquor policy review website.

      John Yap, the parliamentary secretary for liquor policy reform, will look at issues including licensing and control as part of the review.

      “Our approach much address such considerations as public safety, responsible use, the efficiency and fairness of the application process for licensees, the sustainability of the liquor manufacturing sector, and revenue security for government,” Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton wrote in a letter to Yap. 

      Yap will submit a report, including recommendations for liquor reform, to Anton by November 25.

      According to the ministry, some of the concerns that B.C. residents have already identified include the process for obtaining a liquor licence for bars and pubs, which can take upwards of a year.

      The last major review of provincial liquor laws took place in 1999, and did not include public consultation.

      Comments

      9 Comments

      romeogolf

      Aug 7, 2013 at 8:02pm

      Last major review took place in 1999??? Clearly, people aren't annoyed enough with the government or are too lazy.

      W0lfg4n9

      Aug 7, 2013 at 8:53pm

      I hope we can get it cheaper. We pay way to much for our alcohol. And sell it in depaneurs. (corner store)

      Review This

      Aug 7, 2013 at 9:43pm

      Another review to review the previous review & review why there was no review for that review.........Welcome to No Fun City BC.....no wait, we need to review that too.

      Alan Layton

      Aug 7, 2013 at 11:37pm

      I hope 'Review This' is wrong this time, although the odds are against it. I'm hoping that with relaxing the hours of operation for outdoor patios, that this will be a positive change that let's Vancouver finally enter the modern world, when it comes to liquor. Young, stupid Stanley Cup rioters raiding their parents liquor cabinet shouldn't be allowed to influence everything involving booze. Older, more experienced people can usually handle alcohol without violence, so let them enjoy it in the same way as other major cities in the world.

      21STCENTURY

      Aug 8, 2013 at 10:28am

      Government should get out of selling booze altogether. Turn the whole thing over the private sector and treat it like any other food product. As Mr.Layton said, don't let the weakness of a few ruin the process for the rest of us. No more Nanny State!

      RUK

      Aug 8, 2013 at 10:39am

      It seems to me that the primary role of government in selling food and drink is to enforce safety regulations so that you can't serve dangerously spoiled food, you can't serve booze to minors or people who are already wasted, and you can't import or export pests and weeds.

      Being in the booze selling business for profit is absolutely ludicrous in this day and age.

      Not likely

      Aug 8, 2013 at 4:17pm

      I would love to be able to buy booze at the same price as government liquor stores at Costco, cornor stores etc. But that will never happen because that would be the end for unions in liquor vending.

      Hello

      Aug 9, 2013 at 9:33am

      First the Sky High Liquor Prices & Monopoly have little to do with Unions.

      It is First and Foremost a Ca$h / Tax grab by Government both Left & Right.

      Lee L

      Aug 11, 2013 at 5:17pm

      Yep a cash grab it is.

      All but seven dollars is tax on a twenty dollar bottle of wine.

      Yep, between the federal government and the gouging province, they TRIPLE the landed cost of a bottle of wine.

      Tax tax tax. That is the problem.