• The production, distribution and sale of liquor in B.C. have significant economic benefits for the Province, contributing more than $1.2 billion annually to things like health and social programs.
• In 2013, John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Reform, led the B.C. Liquor Policy Review - one of the B.C. government's most successful public engagements. Progress on implementing the report's 73 recommendations is underway.
• In May 2014, initial changes were made to the Liquor Control and Licensing Act to allow for faster implementation of key recommendations.
• A complete re-write of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act was introduced in spring 2015 to modernize outdated provisions and allow for implementation of the remaining recommendations.

Grocery model and a level playing field:

• B.C.'s two-part framework for liquor sales in grocery stores took effect on April 1, 2015.
• The "store within a store" model allows for same-cart shopping and the sales of beer, wine and spirits through separate cashiers, safeguarding health and safety and ensuring restricted access to alcohol by minors.
• The "wine on shelves" model allows existing VQA and independent wine stores to relocate or transfer their licence to an eligible grocery store to sell 100% B.C. wine.
• B.C.'s new wholesale pricing model also took effect April 1, 2015 - providing for increased fairness and an even footing for liquor retailers. 
• A new, graduated mark-up system for craft beer took effect, helping small- and medium-sized breweries grow their product lines and create jobs.
• BC Liquor Stores can now offer refrigeration and extended operating hours/Sunday openings.

Liquor Policy Review changes:

• The B.C. government continues to move forward on implementing other recommendations coming out of the Liquor Policy Review.
• Liquor sales at farmers' markets - wine, beer, cider and spirit manufacturers are now able to sell and serve samples of their products at farmers' markets, as long as the market and the municipality approve.
• Minors in pubs - liquor-primary establishments can apply to accommodate minors so that families can have brunch at a local pub or enjoy a meal together at their local legion.
• Happy hour - licensees selling drinks by the glass, such as pubs, restaurants and lounges, may alter their liquor prices throughout the course of the day.
• Minimum pricing - minimum drink prices have been put in place for licensed establishments to encourage responsible consumption in response to recommendations from health advocates.
• Beer garden fencing - government has removed the requirement for fencing around beer gardens at festivals and special events provided there are no public safety concerns.
• Mixed-spirit drinks are now allowed at Special Occasion Licence (SOL) events, like festivals, as well as at arenas and stadiums. 
• Moving SOLs online - following a successful pilot launched in Vancouver/Burnaby, the online SOL process was rolled out, provincewide, in spring 2015.
• Responsible liquor service - Serving it Right has been enhanced and will be expanded to include everyone who sells/serves alcohol in B.C., as of September 2015. A shortened version of the program - Special Event Server certification - is also in development.
• Social responsibility - mandatory social responsibility materials will be posted in licensed establishments, as the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch works with Ministry of Health and other partners to encourage healthy decisions around alcohol use, following targeted industry consultations. 
• Flexibility for consumers - homemade and UBrew/UVin beer, wine or cider can now be served by hosts of family SOL events. Also, owners of UBrews and UVins, and their family members, are now permitted to own other liquor-related establishments.
• Cutting red tape - licensees may now transfer small amounts of liquor between similar types of establishments. Also, licensees may also store liquor in secure, off-site locations, subject to notifying the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB).
• Benefitting the tourism industry - ski hills and golf courses can apply for a permanent licence endorsement to extend their licensed activities to outdoor areas on their property until 10 p.m., up to 26 times a calendar year, rather than having to apply and pay separately for each extension.
• Creating safe environments for minors - liquor-primary establishments can offer more all-ages, no liquor events, such as concerts and dances. All events will continue to be flagged, using a simple online notification application, for the LCLB.
• Festival changes - licensed wine stores and private liquor stores may now sell their products at food and beverage festivals licensed under a SOL.

Previous updates made to B.C.'s liquor policies

• Licensing of caterers - government now allows for full-service catering, including alcohol.
• Auctioning liquor - charities and non-profits can apply for a permit to auction larger volumes of liquor for charitable purposes, with no permit needed for small volumes. 
• Tied house practices - small and medium-volume liquor manufacturers that also own an off-site restaurant or pub can serve their products in their establishments, which they were previously not allowed to do.
• Tied house agreements - all liquor manufacturers are now eligible for on-site tied house agreements. Previously, only breweries and wineries were eligible.
• On-site consumption areas - brewers and distillers can also now apply to have an on-site consumption area such as a lounge, special event, picnic or tour area.