Province eases rules on liquor sampling

More changes have been announced as the provincial government helps modernize liquor policies and allows for businesses to provide alcohol samples.

In response to feedback from British Columbians and small businesses through the Liquor Policy Review, the government has increased the maximum sample size, giving customers a better sense of the taste before deciding whether they would like to purchase full-sized liquor products.

Liquor and wine stores are also permitted to charge for samples to help recoup the costs of expensive products. Retailers will be permitted to have two manufacturers or liquor agents provide samples in-store at one time.

According to the province, these changes will benefit wine stores, private liquor stores, licensed restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs and liquor agents as well as consumers, and build on previous work done to make it easier for retailers to market products, including:

• Permitting licensees to offer time-limited drink specials (e.g., happy hours), provided the price is not below the prescribed minimum consistent with those advocated by health advocates.
• Allowing manufacturers to offer patrons liquor that was not produced on site (e.g., wineries can now sell beer to visitors).
• Permitting B.C. liquor manufacturers to offer products for sample and sale at temporary off-site locations like artisan and farmer’s markets.
• Allowing patrons to buy bottles of liquor to take home that are showcased at festivals or competitions.

Prior to these changes, samples sizes were small and varied in size depending on circumstances, making it difficult for retailers to offer proper tastings. The new maximum sample size has increased to one-half of a full serving – 75ml for wine, 175ml for beer, and 20ml for spirits – per person, per day and divided as the licensee chooses.