The provincial government has announced a number of liquor policy reforms including one that permits liquor stores to sell alcohol later and be open on Sundays. The new policies will go into effect on April 1, 2015. Read on to learn more.
Currently, liquor sales in B.C. are divided between government-run stores and privately-owned stores. Private stores typically operate longer hours, are allowed to have refrigeration units and usually cost more than their government counterparts.
Government operated B.C. Liquor Stores throughout the province (with a few exceptions) are not permitted to open on Sundays. Laws that have prevented government liquor stores from opening on Sunday have been in place since the prohibition period.
Other noteworthy policy changes: Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton said the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDC) will set one wholesale price for all liquor stores regardless if they are affiliated with the government. This may or may not affect alcohol prices for the consumer. We’ll see. And grocery stores will be able to open a liquor store within their stores–although this won’t have as big of an impact as it sounds based on the one-kilometre radius rule.
The liquor reforms are part of the government’s new mandate to increase accessibility to consumers and promote growth in the industry.
Cheers!
Last modified: November 25, 2014
