More changes to BC’s liquor laws were announced Wednesday.
Justice Minister Suzanne Anton says liquor in grocery stores will be legal – April 1st, 2015.
“While you may not see any official openings on the 1st, this essentially means that, at that point, everything will be ready to go,” Anton says.
“The way the current system is set up, was pretty complicated to say the least, there are so many unique and very specific rules. Simply put, it has become convoluted and outdated.”
Anton says all private stores will be also able to purchase products at the same wholesale prices as BC liquor stores to eliminate any unfair advantage.
“The government receives revenue from liquor and that will be built into the wholesale price and the price will be set accordingly,” she says. “Then the retail government will set the price in the government liquor stores, independent retailers will set their own prices.”
Anton notes government liquor stores won’t have to close at 6 p.m., either. “Liquor stores will begin exploring the option of extending their operating hours, including opening on Sundays and matching them more closely with private stores,” she says.
However, Anton points out that not every store will choose to extend their hours.
(Photo: Canadian Press)
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