SIR Minors and Alcohol BC 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under BC law, what is the legal definition of a minor for purposes of alcohol service?
- A person under 16 years old
- A person under 18 years old
- A person under 19 years old (Correct answer)
- A person under 21 years old
Correct answer: A person under 19 years old
In British Columbia, a minor for the purposes of alcohol service is any person under 19 years of age. This is the legal drinking age established by the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.
Question 2: Are minors allowed to enter food-primary licensed establishments in BC?
- No, minors are banned from all licensed establishments
- Yes, minors are generally permitted in food-primary establishments (Correct answer)
- Only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Only during lunch hours
Correct answer: Yes, minors are generally permitted in food-primary establishments
Minors are generally permitted in food-primary establishments because the main purpose is dining. However, specific licence conditions may impose restrictions on hours or areas where minors are allowed.
Question 3: What are the restrictions on minors in liquor-primary establishments in BC?
- No restrictions apply
- Minors are generally not permitted except in specific circumstances defined by licence conditions (Correct answer)
- Minors can enter at any time with a parent
- Minors can enter but not sit at the bar
Correct answer: Minors are generally not permitted except in specific circumstances defined by licence conditions
Minors are generally not permitted in liquor-primary establishments. Exceptions may exist for specific circumstances like dining areas within the establishment or entertainment events, as defined by licence conditions.
Question 4: What is the penalty for a minor who attempts to purchase alcohol using false identification in BC?
- No penalty
- The minor can face fines and the false ID can be confiscated (Correct answer)
- Only a verbal warning
- The minor's parents are fined
Correct answer: The minor can face fines and the false ID can be confiscated
Minors who use false identification to attempt to purchase alcohol can face fines under BC law, and the false or borrowed identification document can be confiscated by the server or establishment.
Question 5: Can a parent or guardian legally purchase and provide alcohol to their minor child in a licensed establishment in BC?
- Yes, parents can always buy alcohol for their children
- No, it is illegal to serve alcohol to any minor in a licensed establishment regardless of parental consent (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only with food
- Yes, but only wine or beer
Correct answer: No, it is illegal to serve alcohol to any minor in a licensed establishment regardless of parental consent
In a licensed establishment, it is illegal to serve alcohol to a minor regardless of whether a parent or guardian gives consent. The law prohibits alcohol service to minors in licensed premises without exception.
Question 6: What is 'secondary supply' of alcohol to minors?
- The second drink served to a minor
- When a legal-age person purchases and provides alcohol to a minor (Correct answer)
- A backup supply of alcohol behind the bar
- A minor's second attempt to buy alcohol
Correct answer: When a legal-age person purchases and provides alcohol to a minor
Secondary supply occurs when a legal-age person purchases alcohol and provides it to a minor. This is illegal in BC and servers should be alert for signs of this occurring in their establishment.
SIR Minors and Alcohol BC 1
Under BC law, what is the legal definition of a minor for purposes of alcohol service?