BC Gov News

Government has temporarily extended hours of retail liquor service in British Columbia to provide greater opportunities for physical distancing for seniors and people who are immuno-compromised.

Government is taking steps to protect those providing essential services by ensuring they cannot be held liable for damages caused by exposure to COVID-19 while continuing to operate, so long as they are complying with orders from the provincial health officer and other authorities.

Government liquor stores remain open in order to continue serving British Columbians, while also ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable people, employees and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Limitation periods to commence court proceedings in British Columbia have been suspended, and statutory decision-makers have been provided discretion to waive, suspend or extend time periods related to their powers. 

Distillers in British Columbia are temporarily authorized to manufacture alcohol-based hand sanitizer to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, through an updated policy directive from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).

In order to reinforce social distancing orders and help support workers in the restaurant industry, government is making changes to temporarily allow restaurants to deliver liquor products alongside the purchase of a meal.

The B.C. government, ICBC and broker partners are taking additional steps to help British Columbians access the insurance services they need without requiring in-person contact.

British Columbians are encouraged to participate in a public consultation to potentially develop a new regulatory framework for money services businesses and protect the people who depend on them.

The Government of British Columbia is appointing three new provincial court judges to support the judiciary with the resources required to continue providing access to justice.