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More liquor law recommendations released

This round to benefit hotels, music festivals, sports event organizers and arenas
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EVENT EASE Organizers of special events like the GranFondo are going to operate under new liquor rules once the provincial government is finished implementing its proposed liquor review. Photo by John French

The latest round of recommendations from the B.C. Liquor Policy Review brings good news for hotel operators and event organizers.

Recommendations announced Friday, Jan. 31 include a move to allow hotel and resort guests to carry liquor in designated areas. The review also recommends allowing hotels to increase hours liquor can be delivered through room service. This third round of recommended liquor law changes also suggests doing away with beer garden fencing at special events, simplifying the process of getting a Special Event Licence (SOL) and making it possible to file an SOL application online.

When the recommendations are confirmed in policy it will mean hotel guests greeted at check-in with a glass of wine can take that glass of wine from the front desk and walk through the hallways to their hotel room. The changes will also make it possible for parents to drink beer in the company of their family members at events like the Pemberton Festival or the GranFondo finish line celebration.

"We promised British Columbians we would overhaul B.C.'s outdated liquor laws — and we are keeping that promise," Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton said at a news conference. "As we release the final report today, you'll see 73 wide-ranging reforms that will positively affect organizations — from local community festivals to music concerts, from hockey games to hotels — in communities all across B.C."

This latest round of liquor policy announcements is the third from the provincial government. The first two announcements promised changes that will benefit wineries, small businesses, legions and pave the way for the sale of liquor in grocery stores.

Check back for more information through Pique’s ongoing coverage of the proposed changes to B.C.’s provincial liquor laws.