Liquor stores allowed to open longer hours

The B.C. government has temporarily extended hours of retail liquor service to provide greater opportunities for physical distancing for seniors and people who are immuno-compromised.

Liquor retailers around B.C., such as wine stores or private liquor stores, are now allowed to temporarily operate between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily, if they choose to do so.

The new policies are effective immediately and will remain in effect until July 15, 2020.

The time-limited measures should provide seniors and immuno-compromised populations the opportunity to buy liquor during early shopping hours already being provided by other retailers, such as grocery stores.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) issued a policy directive that temporarily extends hours of service for licensee retail stores, wine stores, special wine stores and liquor manufacturers with onsite store endorsements, while the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has put into place measures that allow the same operating hours at rural agency stores.

Under the temporary directives, delivery services are also authorized to purchase liquor products on behalf of a customer from a liquor store, or any licensee authorized to sell in unopened containers, and to deliver and sell that liquor during these same hours.

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