Province allows cocktails-to-go with take out meals

Pubs and licenced restaurants in B.C. are now allowed to sell pre-mixed drinks for takeout or delivery with the purchase of a meal.

The province says allowing ‘cocktails-to-go’ will provide an extra revenue stream for the businesses and give consumers more options.

“We’re continuing to open up new revenue-stream opportunities to help our hospitality sector rebuild in the wake of the pandemic,” Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said. “At the same time, appropriate safeguards will be in place to protect public safety and prevent minors’ access to liquor.”

Farnworth said Ontario and Alberta have permitted cocktails-to-go since December 2020 and have not noted any public safety issues.

“It will be great to be able to offer our patrons the option of a single drink containing their favourite spirit when they don’t feel like buying a whole bottle,” Kelly Gordon, a partner at Romer’s Burgers, said. “This is another sensible shot in the arm for us as we continue to see sustained interest in delivery and takeout, even as more people are becoming comfortable with dining in once again.”

Pre-mixed single servings for takeout will need to be packaged in a way that can be transported lawfully. A label must state the type and amount of alcohol the drink contains and list all other ingredients.

Only adults who have completed Serving It Right training will be allowed to deliver cocktails with food. The recipient will need to be prepared to present two pieces of identification proving they are of legal drinking age.

B.C.’s approximately 2,000 liquor-primary and 6,000 food-primary licensees already have the ability to sell packaged liquor in its original packaging with food for off-site consumption.