The provincial government is modernizing B.C. liquor laws and cutting red tape for businesses by simplifying the application process for festivals, concerts and other cultural events.

Previously, only non-profit organizations could apply for a Special Occasion Licence (now Special Event Permit) and were responsible for liquor service at the event, even when it was organized by a third party.

This change allows businesses to apply for a Special Event Permit and accept liability for liquor service at the event. Removing the requirement for charities to be involved in the permitting process will cut red tape for event organizers.

Permit holders can now also enter into exclusive agreements with liquor manufacturers to sell specific brands at charitable events. This change responds to feedback the province received from industry through the

Liquor Policy Review consultation and the province’s public engagement on Red Tape Reduction, and means that event promoters can seek advantageous partnerships with breweries, wineries, and distilleries in order to raise money for charity.

These actions build on the province’s ongoing work to support the growth for cultural industries, including the February 2016 announcement of a $15-million grant to establish the BC Music Fund that will encourage more activity in B.C.’s music sector, create and retain jobs, and bolster music tourism in British Columbia, a Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch press release explained.

“These changes are the result of consultations with industry and an important step forward in our continued work to modernize B.C.’s liquor laws by cutting red tape for businesses. We expect these changes will increase the number of special events held throughout B.C. and strengthen patronage of the arts in our communities,” stated Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch.

“Today’s announcement is one more important step to building a sustainable music industry for the benefit of our artists, the economy, and live music event attendees, and for that we thank the B.C. government. Reducing red tape for live music performances is an important addition to the BC Music Strategy and demonstrates the government’s strong support of our growing industry sector. B.C. has a deep musical heritage and is home to some of the finest production facilities, artists, and labels in the world. We’re very happy to see the Province make changes that can better position B.C. to compete in an increasingly global marketplace,” said Graham Henderson, president of Music Canada.

Nick Blasko of the BC Music Fund added: “On behalf of B.C.’s music festival organizers, we truly appreciate the ministry’s continued focus on red tape reduction. Their effort towards a licensing strategy that will help to create more events in our province, is good for B.C. artists and many of our provinces music companies. We look forward to seeing these changes implemented.”

Effective Jan. 23, 2017, any type of business or individual can apply for a Special Event Permit.

Recently, the Province cut red tape for the music industry by creating a more streamlined liquor permit application that requires only one application for an event with multiple venues over multiple days.

The province also recently introduced alternate use for liquor primary venues, allowing them to hold all-ages events as long as liquor is not available.

Lead image: The Wapiti Music Festival at Fernie’s Annex Park. e-KNOW file photo

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