Happy hour among B.C. liquor policy changes

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      Happy hour is coming to B.C.’s restaurant and hospitality industries. Premier Christy Clark announced today (December 17) the provincial government’s support for more changes to B.C.’s liquor regulations, including one that would allow restaurants to offer time-limited drink specials.

      "These changes are about updating antiquated licensing rules to reflect what British Columbians actually want, while continuing to protect public safety," Clark stated in a news release.

      Other changes provide more dining options for families and greater freedom for restaurant customers.

      The government is recommending that minors be allowed to dine with their families in pubs, legions, and membership clubs, and that restaurant patrons no longer be required to order food with their beverage in food-primary establishments. Diners will also be allowed to move freely with a beverage from one licensed area to another.

      “Families should be able to dine together in their neighbourhood pub. Consumers should be free to order whatever they want in a restaurant. These are exactly the kind of common-sense changes to B.C.'s liquor laws we promised to make—and we're keeping that promise,” Clark said.

      Serving It Right, the province’s beverage service program, will be expanded to further protect public safety. All hospitality industry workers who serve alcohol will require SIR certification, including liquor store staff, restaurant employees, and people who serve during special occasions.

      You can follow Michelle da Silva on Twitter at twitter.com/michdas.

      Comments

      6 Comments

      Aki

      Dec 17, 2013 at 1:06pm

      Great. Now can we please purchase beer and wine in grocery or corner stores?

      Natty

      Dec 17, 2013 at 1:10pm

      Gee thanks Christy Kringle. Of all the requests made during your public consultation, I think you picked the bottom 12 to proceed with.

      Cranky Old Man

      Dec 17, 2013 at 2:16pm

      I don't think I want rugrats running around and screaming while I'm enjoying a bevy after work. Besides how great will it be on game nights when adults are screaming at the big screen all kinds of expletives! Wouldn't want my kids there. On the other hand it will be easier picking up single moms now.

      Ryan

      Dec 17, 2013 at 2:36pm

      Those beers look warm in the photo.....as uninspired as the changes that were made......

      RF

      Dec 17, 2013 at 3:24pm

      Yeah, I hope the inclusion of kids is voluntary - I can't bear the thought of kids at the Railway.

      Can we have any havens just for adults?

      HellSlayerAndy

      Dec 18, 2013 at 12:01pm

      Ah...nothing says pub life more than looking at a forlorn bored child waiting for Daddy and his friends to finish up.
      If children can be refused then, fine.

      1)But I drink beer and since I take transit and ride a bike, I drink lots of beer. I go into pub with mates -- if there are children using chairs that we would be using if it's crowded -- then we leave and make a mental note to not come back as the pub seems to be doing well serving cokes and Shirley Temples and doesn't NEED the money adults might bring. Sooner or later, pubs will figure out that children can't buy the product, yet are using up valuable real estate.

      2) over aged guys/under aged jailbait/Twinks...pass...a little seedy and tasteless...will be leaving early rather than watching some older man power trip some teenager because they have SO MUCH in common.

      3) I might not think about ratting someone to the cops if they are drunk and driving; if they got kids...you can count on it with photo and follow up and Twitters to tell the public which pub over served a guy with kids. Be afraid pub owners...be very afraid, when you throw children into the mix....that cranks responsibility to 11 for most adults.

      Again it seems more like Krusty and Libs hiding behind a bogus process to fulfil their big contributors' wishlist while trying to look objective.