A report was submitted to Vancouver City Council this week, with several recommendations centered around loosening liquor regulations.
“(The recommendations) are essentially aimed at cutting down on bureaucracy and streamlining alcohol policy, but it’s something that many restaurant, pub owners and other “It will impact potential new facilities.”
“It’s a great step forward. Our council is committed to reducing red tape, making things easier and ensuring small businesses can succeed. Our liquor policy stands out compared to other jurisdictions. It’s very restrictive.”
One of the most restrictive policies expected to change is mandating spacing between establishments that serve alcoholic beverages.
“For a long time, we’ve had distancing rules in place, which means we can’t have facilities next to each other,” Klassen told Global News. “This removes those requirements and allows business owners to work with the city to determine exactly what is the right type of facility for the right community.”
Klassen also said the change will also make it easier for non-traditional businesses like barbershops and spas to serve alcoholic beverages.
The recommendation also calls for lifting the moratorium on new liquor licenses in the Granville Entertainment District and increasing seating capacity.
“That’s to actually see something really exciting, like the redevelopment of the Cineplex. That includes movies, entertainment, and even the ability to accommodate hundreds of people within the facility, which is not possible under current regulations. That’s not possible,” Klassen said. “Current rules stifle innovation. Allowing for these changes will allow markets and companies to respond to what people really want.”
Klassen said he hopes other city council members and the mayor will support the report.
Jeff Guignard, executive director of the B.C. Beverage Licensees Federation, said the expected changes are “long overdue.” “That was one of the reasons the hospitality industry was so excited when Vancouver Mayor Sim and ABC City Council came on the scene,” he said.
“They have worked hard to make Vancouver more fun again. These changes will definitely make a difference and bring even more vibrancy to our neighborhoods.”
Guignard said about 50% of facilities in the industry are currently barely breaking even or in the red.
“This can be driven by economic factors such as inflation and debt levels that have occurred during the pandemic, but it can also be caused by handcuffs around policies and regulations,” Guignard said. “We all know B.C. has a lot of archaic liquor laws and Vancouver has ridiculous liquor laws. These (changes) will take a lot of that out of the way. For the hospitality industry. That’s really good news.”
The report is expected to be presented to Vancouver City Council on Wednesday.
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