Leaving the Beer Garden

Some shred of good news in Canadian liquor law reform this week. In Ontario, the government has announced they are "exploring" the idea of loosening up liquor laws for special events and vacation resorts. In typical Canadian fashion, the highly contentious topic of allowing people to take a beer out of the beer garden tent has garnered a lot of debate.

Proponents say the relaxed laws will stimulate tourism by allowing Ontario resorts to sell all-inclusive vacation packages (why go to the Caribbean when you can go to Muskoka?) and making it easier for festival planners and the events industry. Opponents swear there will be anarchy in the streets with drunken fathers and abusive alcoholics running rampant.

Am I the only one that thinks this debate is given more attention than need be? We're talking about a legal substance consumed only by adults (responsible enough to vote for the people making these laws). While I'm glad to see more attention being given to liquor law reform (hopefully this will rub off in BC), I really just don't see why all of this is such a big deal. If you treat adults like adults, perhaps they will actually act like them. Where else in the world do they deal with this issue? The outdated laws that place the tight restrictions on alcohol consumption need to go.

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Navigating BC Liquor Law for Events Is Not Easy

Everyone knows that the liquor laws in this province are at best restrictive, and at worst, downright draconian. While the claim is that the laws governing the service and sale of alcohol are meant to "protect public interest" and "regulate a controlled substance", the reality is that the BCLDB has an effective stranglehold on the special events industry and even private citizens looking to host an event.

I understand the rationale behind controlling liquor sale and consumption, the system has become so convoluted and complicated that it almost takes a lawyer to sift through the regulations. With more than 8 types of liquor licenses out there, it can be very confusing.

I can deal with the above. It's typical of government. But what really gets me is the glaring conflict of interest. Here's a situation where the regulatory agency is also a competitor in the industry. The BCLDB regulates sales and service in a manner that ensures they always turn a profit to the detriment of private enterprise.

Of particular interest to me is the events industry. Here's just a few examples of what I'm talking about:

1. Did you know that to qualify for a special occasion liquor license, you must purchase all alcohol for your event from a BC liquor store? You cannot purchase any liquor for use at an event from a private beer and wine store. Cash-grab #1.
2. If you've ever hosted an event and hoped to recover costs by having a cash bar, you're probably aware of the BC liquor price maximums which are set so ridiculously low that it's difficult to break even on the costs, much less offset any other event costs. Does the BCLDB offer discounted pricing so you can cover costs? Hell no. Cash-grab #2
3. Even the ServingItRight program, while well-intended, is not much more than another cash grab. Simply complete the rigorous and intense open-book online test and pay $35 and, bam, you're now a certified professional. We all know there's a lot more to responsible service than that.

Add in the municipal permit requirements, police approvals, fire department approvals, etc.. and you almost need a lawyer to wade through all of the red tape. It's no wonder people need event industry professionals to help coordinate events. There are even businesses that focus exclusively on helping event organizers obtain the necessary licensing for events!

Why is this so complicated? Have you ever hosted a special event? How did you make out when dealing with the BCLDB, local gov't, police, fire department, and all the other controlling entities?

Share your stories here. I would love to hear other people's thoughts on the subject.