VICTORIA, BC – In a press release issued today, the Government of British Columbia has announced that effective immediately, all breweries, wineries, cider makers and distilleries in the province with an on-site tasting room or other licensed area are now allowed to serve any B.C.-made alcoholic beverages that they choose.
According to the statement, this change means that not only will the producers be able to pour any local beer, wine, cider or spirit to visiting customers, but it will also remove the need for weddings and other functions held at these locations to apply for a Special Occasion Licence in order to serve a variety of drinks.
“This is a perfect way to allow craft B.C. distilleries, wineries, cideries and breweries to showcase one another, in an effort to cross-promote and support the local B.C. industry,” said Craft Distillers Guild of BC president Tyler Dyck in the release. “Our distillers have been asked on a daily basis why we can’t serve craft B.C. beer and wine in our lounges – and now we will be able to share the good news with our customers that they have that option.”
While the BC Craft Brewers Guild is not quoted in the government’s announcement, the organization tweeted its support for the move this afternoon.
For more details, see the full announcement of the Government of B.C. website.