BC has the highest minimum drink prices for beer in Canada.
“I am able to enjoy happy hour at my local pub here in Powell River and for that privilege, I get to pay approximately $1.75 more for my pint than I did before for a regularly priced beer,” said Paddy Treavor, president Campaign for Real Ale of BC-Powell River chapter.
BC’s minimum price for beer is 25 cents per ounce, said Treavor adding that minimum prices in Alberta and Ontario are substantially less at 16 to 18 cents per ounce.
In announcing the liquor policy changes, Suzanne Anton, BC attorney general and minister of justice said, “In setting the minimum price, it was important to us that we listened to both industry and health advocates. We have done that and I believe establishing a $3 per drink minimum achieves a good balance for them, and for British Columbians.”
“The government listened to health care and industry advocates, both of whom have specific agendas to raise liquor pricing,” said Treavor, “but did not involve consumer advocates, like our group, to hear what consumers’ wants and needs were.”
Treavor said the minimum prices will have a negative impact on rural communities like Powell River. “The government did not take into account the economy of BC. If this is what happy hour is all about, I want nothing to do with it.”
Dave Formosa, owner of Shinglemill Pub and Bistro, said the minimums would not affect prices at that establishment.
He said he was interested to see what affect the change in allowing minors to be in the pubs up until a certain time would have.
Although he is not a fan of all the proposed changes, Jack Barr, owner of TC’s Pub in Town Centre Hotel said, “the more BC gets into the 21st century regarding our liquor laws, the better.”
He added that happy hour is a good thing as the hospitality industry is still in recovery mode from a few years back.
“The biggest drawback I see is that Powell River is such a beer-drinking town, that if it increases the price on beer, there will be complaining.”
Like Formosa, Barr is interested in the change that will allow minors to be in pubs until a set time. Parents can have a drink with dinner. The after hours, kids have to leave,” said Barr. “That will be one of the biggest changes I can see, a good one, but to every action, there is reaction.”
Food primary establishments must continue to offer a full menu but patrons can order drinks only, and are no longer obligated to order food. And if they move from one area to another within the premises, they can carry their own drink and no longer have to have a staff member do it for them.
Family special occasion licences will now allow serving homemade and UBrew/UVin beer, wine or cider. And owners of UBrew/UVin businesses are now permitted to own other liquor-related establishments.
Another change will allow craft beers to be sold at farmers’ markets. Juhli Jobi, who coordinates the Farmers’ Market in Powell River, said she is in the process of getting various levels of approval completed.
