Government is reviewing B.C.’s current liquor enforcement penalties and considering how different types of penalties may impact businesses and their staff, fulfilling recommendations made during the B.C. Liquor Policy Review.

The Liquor Control and Licensing Act regulations outline the penalties an establishment - such as a restaurant, pub or private liquor store - may face for violating the terms of its liquor licence. For instance, a licensee may be given a monetary penalty or suspension for serving drinks outside of liquor-service hours or for the over-service of patrons. Business owners throughout B.C. have asked government to recognize their unique needs and to consider a flexible penalty schedule, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Government is seeking input on an online discussion paper, which includes background information, sets out topics for discussion and identifies potential areas for change.

Licensees, industry associations and interested parties will be asked a number of questions, and are also invited to provide general feedback regarding the penalty schedule, which will help with further analysis.

To take part in the consultation, visit: http://bit.ly/1q5DK5K

Ideas and suggestions will be accepted via email until Sept. 30, 2014.

Quick Facts:

The related Liquor Policy Review recommendations include:

• Government should review enforcement penalties of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and other jurisdictions to ensure that B.C.’s penalty levels are appropriate (recommendation #11).
• Due to the varying size and focus of licensed establishments, consideration should be given to how different types of penalties, e.g., a suspension vs. a monetary penalty, may affect a licensee and staff (recommendation #12).

Learn More:

Learn about the B.C. Liquor Policy Review: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/liquorpolicyreview

Read the B.C. Liquor Policy Review final report: http://bit.ly/1beqi8i

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602