Happy hour and kids in pubs, possible changes to B.C.’s liquor rules

VANCOUVER – B.C. Premier Christy Clark is toasting happy hour in another series of proposed regulation changes to provincial liquor laws.

Clark announced her support for the changes to what she called antiquated licensing rules that would allow for what B.C. residents want, while continuing to protect the public.

The recommendations include allowing the hospitality industry to host a happy hour and letting pubs, legions and other membership clubs to have more family-friendly environments.

Clark says families should be able to dine together at their neighbourhood pub, just as consumers should be able to order what they want in a restaurant.

Parliamentary Secretary John Yap, who’s in charge of the liquor review, says government heard from health advocates during the review and with minimum drink pricing policies the door could be opened to drink specials like a happy hour.

At first Yap announced there was big support for selling liquor in grocery stores, but Clark recently poured cold water on that idea saying there were some safety concerns around the issue.