Big Changes Coming to Liquor Laws Beginning April 1st

| March 31, 2015 in Provincial

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B.C.’s liquor laws will change on Wednesday, and there are a few things you need to know before April 1st.

Starting Wednesday, April 1st, 2015, select grocery stores will be officially allowed to sell VQA wine on their shelves, but which stores is anyone’s guess. The province has not released the list of which stores have approval. There will also be a number of changes at the government-run BC Liquor Stores beginning Wednesday.

Effective April 1st, the stores will offer extended hours and will be open on Sundays, but not on holidays. The government stores in Enderby, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Summerland, Vernon, Winfield, Sicamous, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, Kamloops and more will see extended hours.

Photo Credit: Novacom 

The liquor stores will also get a look at the new price lists and the new wholesale pricing scheme. It is expected that there will be a price increase for wine, beer, and spirits but they should be minimal. The biggest shock to consumers will be the sticker price; they will no longer include taxes. So once you get to the till, expect to pay more than the advertised price.

Also new for April 1st, cold beer will be available at select BC Liquor stores in the province. Some of the signature stores will start chilling beer on Wednesday, if they choose to do so, and they will also have the option to chill wine as well. 

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