Booze easier to buy, but could rollout have been better?
Posted January 1, 2017 8:00 am.
Last Updated January 1, 2017 8:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Buying booze is a little bit easier in our province thanks to changes to liquor laws in recent times, but some suggest the rollout could have been done better.
You can find wine on grocery store shelves.
Well, in 14 stores anyway.
NDP liquor policy critic David Eby says the province didn’t do enough work with municipalities to make sure this would actually be embraced.
“One of the questions we’ve asked repeatedly is — why does the government keep holding media events before they’ve actually worked in consultation with communities?”
That said, it will be interesting to see what the coming months have in store on this file — starting January 23rd, any business will be able to apply for a booze license.
“The liquor industry in B.C. is growing and creating jobs as a result of the entrepreneurial spirit, great economy and supportive policy changes government has been making over the past several years,” writes Coralee Oakes, the minister responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch.
“All of this change means people and communities throughout B.C. are able to enjoy the liquor products created by our fantastic brewers, vintners, and distillers in a more relaxed and convenient manner.”
Alcohol has seen a boom of sorts, particularly in the craft beer sector, where sales have almost tripled over the past five years.
