VICTORIA, BC – The Government of British Columbia has announced that legislation allowing bars and restaurants in the province to purchase beer and other beverage alcohol at wholesale prices has been made permanent following a seven month trial period.

“Early in the pandemic, our government took urgent action to support B.C. restaurants and pubs by allowing them to purchase alcohol at a wholesale cost,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in a statement. “Now we are making this change permanent to give these businesses certainty and help them recover, and to help the estimated 190,000 British Columbians who work in this sector.”

Originally announced in June 2020 and implemented a month later, the legislation allowing licensees to pay the same prices as retail liquor stores for beer, wine, and spirits was set to expire in March, but will now remain in effect indefinitely.

“This is welcome news, as access to wholesale pricing on a permanent basis will help alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by industry due to the pandemic,” said Trevor Kallies, director of beverage, Donnelly Group. “Business owners can now move forward with a focus on other areas, such as the health and safety of staff and customers, and keeping our businesses alive.”

For more details, see the full announcement from the Government of BC.

Sources: Energetic City and Vancouver Sun