BC to allow restaurants to buy liquor at wholesale prices and expand patios

Celebrated by the industry, the announcement will allow for improved liquor margins to support the struggling restaurant industry.

May 15, 2020 - EightSix Staff

BC Attorney General David Eby announced Thursday that restaurants will soon be able to access wholesale pricing on liquor as well as get expedited approval for expanded patio liquor service.

Liquor pricing has been a sore spot for BC restaurants for years. Up to now, restaurants have been permitted to purchase liquor at consumer retail prices, forcing restaurants to price alcohol at significantly inflated prices once margins are added. Allowing restaurants to purchase their stock at wholesale prices should cut liquor costs by approximately 20%.

Due to the fact that it is more difficult to transmit COVID-19 outdoors versus indoors, the province has also committed to expediting the approval of applications for new and expanded restaurant patios. This includes applications to serve alcohol in outdoor spaces, which typically requires a provincial liquor inspector to visit the premises before issuing approval. Expanded patio service will be key to reducing the risks of spreading the virus while permitting restaurants to operate.