Booze rules relaxed for farmers' markets, pubs, foodie fests

A new batch of B.C. Liquor Policy Review changes went into effect Saturday, allowing vendors at local seasonalmarkets to sell made-in-B.C. wines, spirits and beer and permitting liquor-primary establishmentsto admit minors.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton announced thatbeer, wine, cider and spirits can now be sampled and sold alongside fresh fruits and vegetablesat B.C. farmers' markets.

"The liquor policy changes that take effect today reflect the lifestyles of contemporary BritishColumbians," she said in a written statement."Being able to pick up a bottle of local wine at your local farmers' market is one of many balanced changes that support convenience and choice for consumers and economic growth for B.C."

Liquor manufacturers will be required to apply directly to the farmers' markets for approval, vendorswill be required to have Serving it Right certification, and any ultimate decision will alsohave to comply with municipal bylaws.

John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Reform, announced that the government is also allowing liquor-primary establishments, such as legion branches and pubs, to apply to accommodate minors.

"Our government has opened the door to family-friendly changes, with updated liquor policies that align with feedback I received from legions, the hospitality industry and British Columbians during the Liquor Policy Review," Yap saidin a written statement."We are leaving it up to the local associations and businesses to decide whether to pursue these changes."

Pubs and similar establishments that wish to permit family-friendly dining will only be able to allow minors until 10 pm at night. Businessthat don't wish to change their current operating modelsdon't have to, Yap said.

The government also announced that beer and wines stores will be permitted to set up stands at food and drink festivals to sell products featured atthe festival.

B.C.'s new happy hour

Saturday's announcements follow the startof happy hour inB.C. and new minimum-pricing rules, which went into effect Friday.

Until now, B.C. was the only province in Canada that did not allow licensedbars and restaurants to change their prices during the course of aday.

Under the new rules, the minimum drink price is $2for asingle-ounce shot of a spiritor $3 for a five-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ouncesleeve of beer or cider.

• Unhappy hourcomes to B.C. pubs that must now raise prices

Other changes to provincial liquor laws include dropping therequirement for customers to order food with drinks in a licensedrestaurant and allowing hosts with a special occasion licence toserve homemade and U-brew beer, wine or cider.

In January, the provincial government endorsed 73 recommendationsin a report on B.C. liquor laws.

Those changes include increasing the variety of alcohol availableat sporting events and allowing mixed-spirit drinks at musicfestivals and in sports venues. The province will also allow liquorsales at grocery stores.

So far, 17of the 73 recommendations have been implemented.

Government aims to have most in place by next spring.