If recommendations from a report by John Yap, the parliamentary secretary tasked with the review of liquor laws, are approved by cabinet, consumers will be able to purchase liquor while they are shopping for their groceries, effective some time in 2014.
The new retail model is among more than 70 recommendations that will help make common-sense changes to BC’s liquor laws, according to the government. If adopted, the changes will properly reflect current lifestyles and continue to grow the economy.
The report takes into consideration input from consumers, stakeholders and health and safety advocates, which on the whole will make what the government hopes will be a well-balanced approach to the marketplace.
Yap said in a statement to the media that the possibility of liquor availability in grocery stores was popular among British Columbians and stood out to him as a possible solution championing greater convenience for shoppers.
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees of BC, an advocacy organization in support of independent beer and wine stores, is opposed to the idea. Alliance executive director Ian Baillie said the new model poses a threat to the viability of existing beer and wine stores and, what’s more, could make alcohol more accessible to minors. “The new recommendations come with risks,” Baillie said. “These include risks to government revenues from alcohol sales, risks to the jobs and financial investment in BC from small businesses and risks in terms of controlling access to alcohol for minors.”
Baillie stressed that convenience is a non-issue because there are liquor stores within 100 metres of most grocery stores already; having a separate check-out for liquor products inside grocery stores is not going to improve on convenience.
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