Longer liquor store hours made permanent

VICTORIA – The B.C. government is permanently allowing private liquor stores to open longer hours.

The stores have been allowed to open at 7 a.m. since April 2020 to facilitate physical distancing for seniors and others during the COVID pandemic. The provision was set to expire on June 30, 2021.

“However, in response to industry feedback and to ensure businesses can continue to support their customers – particularly seniors and those who live in rural areas, who have benefited from the convenience of extended retail hours – the province is permanently allowing liquor retailers throughout B.C. to operate between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily if they choose to do so,” a government news release stated.

The change relates to in-store shopping only. Liquor delivery may occur only after 9 a.m., and the authorization for unlicensed third-party delivery services to deliver liquor at 7 a.m. expires on June 30, 2021.

The changes do not override any additional requirements or limitations placed on hours of liquor service by local governments or First Nations.