Family advocacy group warns against easing liquor laws

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Michael McCoy with the Touchstone Family Association points to abused children as he’s warning the province against easing liquor regulations.

“When government increases the sale of a substance [like alcohol], it has the potential to damage the family. 80 per cent of the children in this province who are abused, neglected, or abandoned live in alcohol or drug abusing households.”

He claims BC doesn’t have the necessary treatment programs to manage the possible rise in alcohol abuse, and argues extra money generated from an increase in liquor sales will not go to said programs.

“What’s the government’s risk management plan? The risk of having it more available? The impact on families? They have none. The lack of treatment centres in this province is abysmal, I think there are 40 treatment beds. Do the math.”

McCoy argues cigarettes have had a huge increase in control in the past 20-years, and questions why alcohol hasn’t seen the same hardline approach.

BC has started a review of what many call ‘outdated liquor laws’ in an indication it might loosen certain regulations on alcohol.

Some of the issues already brought to the government’s attention by the public and industry include:

* Not allowing minors that are accompanied by a parent or guardian into pubs that serve food during daytime hours.

* Not allowing wines and other local liquor to be sold at farmers’ markets.

* Not allowing establishments like spas to be eligible for licensing permits.

* Taking upwards of a year to obtain a licence for bars and pubs.

A Liquor Policy Review website will be launched in September where British Columbians can provide their input to the review process.

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