To provide additional support to the hospitality industry, government will provide the opportunity for Liquor Primary and Food Primary licensees to package draught beer in growlers for sale to patrons with the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption until June 6, 2021.

This temporary authorization was made available earlier in the pandemic in response to the provincial health officer’s (PHO) orders, which prohibited on-site service, but was rescinded on July 13, 2020, after on-site service was resumed. Once again, PHO restrictions are prohibiting indoor service until at least April 19, 2021, with the possibility of extensions, though patio service and take-out/delivery can continue.

“We know it’s a tough time for the food and beverage sector, and we continue to work closely with industry representatives to be nimble and find ways to support the many restaurants, pubs and other establishments,” Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “I also want to extend my appreciation to the businesses that are adhering to the PHO orders and helping to keep British Columbians safe as we navigate this new wave of COVID-19 cases.”

This change will provide licensees with an opportunity to sell draught beer that would otherwise be at risk of spoiling. It will also help mitigate financial loss by providing an additional short-term revenue stream to maintain operations and employment.

This temporary measure is supported by industry and has been requested by licensees since the initial authorization was rescinded in July 2020.

“Hospitality industry representatives advocated to government for this change,” said Jeff Guignard, executive director, Alliance of Beverage Licensees BC. “It’s encouraging to see the Province take such fast action to help thousands of small and medium businesses recover some of the revenue opportunities that would’ve otherwise been lost during this latest period of restrictions.”

Restaurants and the hospitality sector continue to require support as these businesses continue to experience a significant amount of revenue and job losses because of the ongoing pandemic. Government is committed to continuing to help the B.C. liquor and hospitality industries, including the more than 190,000 people they employ, weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick Facts:

• In February 2021, government permanently allowed restaurants, bars and pubs to purchase beer, wine and spirits at the wholesale cost: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0014-000308
• Pubs and bars can now permanently sell and deliver liquor packaged by a manufacturer with the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0020-000460
• Government placed a 15% cap on food-delivery app fees to support struggling restaurants that were being charged high commission fees by food delivery companies: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0074-002133