B.C will allow out-of-work employees to deliver alcohol with food deliveries, Attorney General David Eby said Sunday (March 22).
“In these extraordinary times, more British Columbians are relying on delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Eby said.
“Permitting licensed restaurants to hire their out-of-work servers to deliver liquor products as part of their food-delivery service allows the public to continue to observe social distancing measures and also offers much-needed support to these workers and businesses.”
Changes allow customers purchasing meals and sealed, packaged liquor products for pick up or delivery at home.
Previously, licensees were only permitted to sell liquor for consumption in establishments unless they had a special endorsement on their licence.
However, Eby said, safeguards for safe consumption remain in place.
That includes identification for age verification.
Individuals delivering alcohol will be required to be Serving It Right certified.
Eby said the Business Technical Advisory Panel, consisting of liquor and hospitality industry, representatives, provided the recommendation to help support struggling hospitality workers and businesses.
“Government is committed to working with hospitality workers and businesses to identify ways to reduce the impact of this crisis,” Eby said.
The changes take effect immediately and expire July 15.
