SIR BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'contravention' under BC liquor law?
- A criminal offence
- A violation of the terms and conditions of a liquor licence (Correct answer)
- A civil lawsuit
- A customer complaint
Correct answer: A violation of the terms and conditions of a liquor licence
A contravention is a violation of the terms and conditions attached to a liquor licence, which can result in enforcement actions such as fines or licence suspension.
Question 2: What enforcement action can the LCRB take for repeated contraventions?
- Issue a warning letter only
- Suspend or cancel the liquor licence (Correct answer)
- Increase the establishment's insurance
- Require the licensee to attend a course only
Correct answer: Suspend or cancel the liquor licence
The LCRB has the authority to suspend or cancel a liquor licence for repeated or serious contraventions of licence terms and conditions.
Question 3: Under the Act, what is the licensee's responsibility regarding noise from their establishment?
- Noise levels are not regulated
- The licensee must ensure noise does not disturb neighbours (Correct answer)
- Only indoor noise is regulated
- Noise is only an issue after midnight
Correct answer: The licensee must ensure noise does not disturb neighbours
Licensees are responsible for ensuring that noise from their establishment, including from patrons outside, does not unduly disturb neighbours. This is a condition of their licence.
Question 4: What is the role of a local government in the liquor licensing process?
- Local governments have no role
- They can provide input and recommendations on licence applications (Correct answer)
- They issue the liquor licences directly
- They collect all liquor taxes
Correct answer: They can provide input and recommendations on licence applications
Local governments play an advisory role in the licensing process. They can provide input, recommendations, and may set additional requirements through zoning bylaws.
Question 5: What is a special event permit (SEP) used for in BC?
- Permanent liquor service at a restaurant
- Temporary liquor service at events like weddings, festivals, or fundraisers (Correct answer)
- Importing liquor from other provinces
- Operating a liquor manufacturing facility
Correct answer: Temporary liquor service at events like weddings, festivals, or fundraisers
A special event permit allows for the temporary sale and service of liquor at specific events such as weddings, festivals, community celebrations, or fundraisers.
Question 6: Who is responsible for the conduct of patrons both inside and immediately outside a licensed establishment?
- The police only
- The patron themselves only
- The licensee and staff (Correct answer)
- The municipal government
Correct answer: The licensee and staff
Under BC law, the licensee and staff are responsible for the conduct of patrons both inside the establishment and in the area immediately outside, including lineups and smoking areas.
SIR BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act 3
What is a 'contravention' under BC liquor law?