Province extends temporary authorization allowing liquor selling establishments to sell liquor for off-site consumption

VICTORIA–The Province is extending the temporary authorization that allows food-primary and liquor-primary licensees to sell and deliver sealed, packaged liquor products along with the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption during the pandemic.

The authorization was set to expire on July 15 and will remain in place until Oct.31, 2020. A release by the Ministry of Attorney General says that the authorization will provide business with continued relief from the financial hardship of the pandemic and help make it easier for vulnerable British Columbians to continue practicing physical distancing.

The extension was part of a series of recommendations from the Business Technical Advisory Panel–consisting of liquor and hospitality representatives, to help support struggling hospitality workers and businesses during the pandemic.

Prior to the introduction of the temporary measure, restaurants and pubs were allowed to sell liquor only for consumption in their establishments unless they had a special endorsement on their license.