The review of B.C.'s liquor laws begins today with a request for feedback from key industry groups and stakeholders.

In September, British Columbians also will be asked for their input to make practical reforms to B.C.'s outdated and inefficient liquor laws. The goal is to find practical, responsible solutions that improve consumer convenience and grow B.C.'s economy, all while ensuring public safety.

Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Reform John Yap begins the first phase of this review with letters sent out today to major stakeholders throughout B.C. asking for written feedback and ideas for change. In the coming weeks, letters will also be sent to more than 10,000 liquor licensees and liquor agency stores. Following this feedback, Yap will meet with groups from industry, local governments, First Nations, police, and health and social policy associations throughout September and October.

Phase two will seek to engage the broader public in the consultation process. A Liquor Policy Review website will be launched in September where British Columbians can provide their input to the review. This opportunity will assist British Columbians in better understanding how B.C.'s liquor system works today, and provide opportunities for them to explore balanced, common sense approaches for government's consideration.

Some limitations to convenience and economic activity that British Columbians have noted include:

• Not allowing minors that are accompanied by a parent or guardian into pubs that serve food during daytime hours.

• Not allowing wines and other local liquor to be sold at farmers' markets.

• Not allowing establishments like spas to be eligible for licensing permits.

• Taking upwards of a year to obtain a licence for bars and pubs.

Following these two consultation phases, Yap's report will be submitted to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice by Nov. 25, 2013. His report, which will be released to the public, will inform discussion and decision by government about any proposed changes, taking into account the need to balance economic and social interests with public safety and the health of British Columbians.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"Right now, some of B.C.'s liquor laws go back many years. In concert with industry and citizens, we are looking to make practical and responsible changes which promote consumer convenience and economic growth in the province, with a strong eye to maintaining public safety and protecting the health of our citizens. Once the public consultation process begins in September, British Columbians can let us know how they would like to see B.C.'s liquor laws reformed."

Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Reform John Yap -

"I look forward to working with industry representatives, health and public-safety advocates and engaging directly with the public online as we look for commonsense ways to modernize our liquor laws in this province. I know many British Columbians have a lot of opinions and our government is open to hearing them as we move forward in this process."

Quick Facts:

• This comprehensive review will consider all aspects of liquor policy in B.C. including licensing, control, and Liquor Distribution Branch distribution, and must provide recommendations that:

• Create a licensing system that responds to emerging marketplace realities and reflects current lifestyles and societal values.

• Provide flexibility for businesses and remove operational barriers to help grow the economy, while protecting public safety.

• Recognize the importance of jobs and investment in the hospitality, tourism and agrifoods sectors, in support of the BC Jobs Plan.

• Ensure there is a sustainable liquor manufacturing sector.

• Provide for an efficient and effective liquor distribution system.

• The review is guided by terms of reference which offer the following guiding principles:

• Ensure that government revenue is maintained or increased.

• Minimize health and social harms caused by liquor.

• Balance economic and social interests by ensuring public safety and the public interest of British Columbians and their communities are protected.

• Be evidence-based and transparent.

• Respect obligations under collective agreements and international and inter-provincial trade agreements.

• The Liquor Policy Review consultations are expected to end by Oct. 31, 2013.

• Liquor sales result in over $1 billion (net income plus PST generated from sales) each year in revenue to government.

• The last major review of B.C.'s liquor laws was completed in 1999, but did not include a public consultation component.

Learn More:

Over the past two years, government has already pursued a number of practical reforms to B.C.'s liquor laws: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/docs-forms/ModernizingLiquorLaws.pdf

Parliamentary Secretary John Yap’s letter and terms of reference are at:  www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/public/lclb/YapTermsOfReference.pdf

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

BACKGROUNDER

Terms of Reference for the Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Review

BACKGROUND

Government regulates liquor in order to balance economic and social interests with the need to ensure public safety and the public interest.

From time to time, government reviews liquor policy to ensure that liquor policies reflect societal values and business needs as they change over time. Many liquor industry associations, local governments, citizens and interest groups have expressed interest in a liquor review and in modernizing B.C.'s liquor laws. There has not been a comprehensive policy review of liquor since 1999.

PURPOSE

On June 7, 2013, government announced that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for Liquor Policy Reform would lead the stakeholder consultations on modernizing B.C.'s antiquated liquor laws and recommend improvements to the minister to take to Cabinet.

This comprehensive review should consider all aspects of liquor policy including licensing, control, and Liquor Distribution Branch distribution, and must provide recommendations that:

• Create a licensing system that responds to emerging marketplace realities and reflects current lifestyles and societal values.

• Provide flexibility for businesses and remove operational barriers to help grow the economy, while protecting public safety.

• Recognize the importance of jobs and investment in the hospitality, tourism and agrifoods sectors, in support of the BC Jobs Plan.

• Ensure there is a sustainable liquor manufacturing sector.

• Provide for an efficient and effective liquor distribution system.

Governance of the Liquor Distribution Branch is out of scope of the review.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Recommendations must:

• Ensure that government revenue is maintained or increased.

• Minimize health and social harms caused by liquor.

• Balance economic and social interests by ensuring public safety and the public interest. of British Columbians and their communities is protected;

• Be evidence-based and transparent.

• Respect obligations under collective agreements and international and inter-provincial trade agreements.

Your goals and tasks include:

1. Developing a consultation model and approach that is able to meet the objectives above. The consultation approach must:

• Include opportunities for the public to provide input.

• Incorporate methods to build transparency into the process.

2. Leading consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from industry, local government and First Nations organizations, police, health and social policy associations. Consultations should be completed by Oct. 31, 2013.

3. Producing a report by Nov. 25, 2013, for Attorney General and Minister of Justice's consideration that she may take to Cabinet. The report must include the following:

• Results from the stakeholder consultation.

• Identification of potential opportunities and challenges.

• Recommendations for liquor reform.

REPORTING

You will report to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

SUPPORT

The budget for the review will be provided by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

You will work through the deputy minister, Corporate Initiatives, and the assistant deputy ministers of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and the Liquor Distribution Branch, to ensure resource requirements consistent with the work plan are met. This may include obtaining policy support from Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and Liquor Distribution Branch policy divisions or other resources as needed.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961