BC Ferries will start serving booze on select sailings next month

BC Ferries has announced that booze will be served on select sailings starting in October.

In a release, BC Ferries says beginning in late October, beer and wine will be added to its Pacific Buffet menu on three vessels — the Spirit of Vancouver Island, the Spirit of British Columbia, and the Coastal Celebration — travelling between Vancouver to Victoria (Tsawwassen — Swartz Bay route).

BC Ferries initially intended to roll out its liquor trial period on the popular route this summer, but that plan was delayed due to a licensing issue.

See also: 

• BC Ferries pauses plans to serve liquor on board some vessels
• BC Ferries plans to sell wine and beer on board this summer

Alcoholic beverages must be purchased with a meal and there is a one drink per customer limit, for passengers 19 years of age or older.

“Like other restaurants in British Columbia, people under the age of 19 will be welcome in the Pacific Buffet, but will not be able to order an alcoholic beverage,” said BC Ferries.

The trial will continue for one year and will provide time for BC Ferries to “review customer and employee feedback, as well as revenue numbers to evaluate the pilot and determine its success.”

Beer and wine are already offered for sale on BC Ferries’ northern routes but this is the first time alcohol will be available for purchase on sailings between Vancouver and Victoria.

“Many of our customers have said they would like to have a glass of wine or beer with their meal while sailing with us,” said Melanie Lucia, Executive Director of Catering and Terminal Operations, in a statement.

“We look for ways to enhance the customer experience and are pleased to now offer these beverages in the Pacific Buffet.”