Liquor stores in B.C. will temporarily be able to open as early as 7am so they can serve seniors and the immuno-compromised.
Wine stores or private liquor stores throughout the province can now operate between 7am and 11pm, if they choose to do so, the government announced Wednesday.
“These 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 government said in a news release.
The provincial directives will also now allow delivery services to purchase alcohol on behalf of a customer during the same hours.
The policies will go into place immediately and will remain in effect until July 15, 2020.
“Extending the hours of retail liquor service will support these businesses in complying with the requirements set out by the provincial health officer, the Ministry of Health and other authorities, including those related to physical distancing,” the government news release added.
—with files from Colin Dacre, Castanet
