Whereas festivals and special events are of vital important to tourism in British Columbia, and liquor service using a Special Occasion License may be a component of events held in unlicensed venues; And whereas provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch LCLB policies can result in inconveniences, uncertainties and delays in obtaining a Special Occasion License for an event: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM support changes to LCLB licensing provisions for the service of liquor in venues without a permanent liquor license, including: - allow qualified commercial caterers to be eligible for a liquor license; - allow qualified licensed establishments to be eligible for a catering endorsement to their liquor license; - allow caterers, event planners and businesses involved with the planning and management of events to be eligible for a Special Occasion License; and - allow, for certain Special Occasion Licensed events with local government councilboard and police support, for people to walk around freely with an alcoholic beverage in areas where minors are present; And be it further resolved that the issuing of liquor licenses to caterers not have negative impacts on existing licensed establishments and local communities.
Ministry of Energy, Mines Natural Gas Festivals and special events are of vital importance to tourism in British Columbia. The provincial government has recently announced that eligible commercial caterers may obtain a liquor licence, and qualified food primary and liquor primary establishments may obtain a catering endorsement for their liquor licence. These changes allow businesses that are primarily involved in the service of food to provide liquor for their clients events at unlicensed venues. Licensed caterers must ensure that community events and events with extended hours are supported by the local government prior to requesting a catering authorization from the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. This enables local governments to determine if these events are suitable for their community. The Special Occasion Licence Program is designed primarily for individuals and non-profit groups to serve liquor at events. Caterers, event planners and businesses involved with event planning or management are not generally eligible for a Special Occasion Licence. There are no plans to amend those eligibility criteria at this time. Planners and businesses have several options when holding a special event with liquor service including the use of licensed establishments, hiring a licensed caterer, or working with an organization that is eligible to obtain a Special Occasion Licence. The Province recognizes that there may be some cases where licensing broader areas at festivals or permitting minors in licensed areas would be acceptable at Special Occasion Licensed events. Options are being reviewed and the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch will consult with UBCM on these issues.