BC permanently allowing bars and restaurants to sell and deliver alcohol
The British Columbian government will permanently allow bars and restaurants to sell and deliver sealed, packaged alcohol.
On March 12, the government announced that the decision, which was first introduced as a temporary measure at the start of COVID-19, would be continuing post-pandemic.
The authorization allows businesses that primarily offer food or liquor to sell and deliver sealed, packaged alcohol products to customers alongside the purchase of a meal.
“Making this authorization permanent will provide approximately 8,000 businesses with long-term financial support and certainty, and will aid in the hospitality industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in a release.
The measure was initially intended to expire in July of 2020, but, at the request of the hospitality industry and the public, was extended on several occasions.
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Prior to the pandemic, bars and restaurants could only offer alcohol for take-out and delivery if they had a special endorsement on their liquor licence.
The government notes that with the permanent authorization, employees who deliver alcohol will still be required to be certified with Serving It Right.
As well, businesses must still continue to verify customer’s identification.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve had to make huge adjustments to our businesses, shifting to a takeout and delivery-focused business model to ensure we could continue to operate under the provincial health officer’s guidelines,” said Ian Tostenson, the president and CEO of BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association.
“The temporary change initially helped us generate sales through a new revenue stream, but making it permanent will give us continued relief from the financial hardship of the pandemic as we move into recovery.”
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