Holders of special event permits to serve liquor at community festivals, family gatherings and private functions can now purchase products from private liquor retailers. The change follows a recommendation from the Business Technical Advisory Panel, according to a media release from BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Previously, only government liquor stores could sell liquor products to permit holders.
Private retailers who may now sell their products to holders of special event permits include: BC wineries, breweries and distilleries with on-site stores; Licensee retail stores (private liquor stores); wine stores (excluding sacramental wine stores) and special wine stores; and rural licensee retail stores.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, B.C.'s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch issued approximately 28,000 special event permits annually, according to the release. From 2016 to 2019, the estimated value of liquor purchased by permit holders averaged $26.5 million.
Liquor inspectors will continue to check liquor purchases of special event permittees to ensure they are purchasing only from authorized suppliers.
