Wine and beeer (File photo 115012956 © creativecommonsstockphotos | Dreamstime.com)

By Pete McIntyre

tourism

Rules relaxed to help B.C. liquor manufacturers draw more visitors

Apr 5, 2024 | 4:00 PM

B.C. wineries and other liquor-making businesses will be allowed to offer more services to visitors this summer.

In response to industry feedback, the province has implemented several policy changes to enhance visitor experiences at the sites.

The changes include:

• allowing people to sit and enjoy samples while on a guided tour;
• allowing packaged liquor sales in more places on site, including tours;
• allowing more flexibility around sampling so liquor manufacturers can customize sampling experiences for visitors; and
• allowing manufacturers to sell and promote their products in picnic areas and host visitors more effectively.

Tyler Dyck, CEO and head of operations of Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery and the president of both the Craft Distiller’s Guild of BC and Canadian Craft Distillers Alliance, is pleased with the changes.

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“Another great outcome highlighting what happens when government works collaboratively through the Business Technical Advisory Panel process on modernizing liquor policy in B.C. We look forward to continued collaboration and modernizations over the next few years,” Dyck said

Christine Coletta, founder of Haywire Winery in Summerland is also optimistic.

“For wine owners, our top priority is for visitors to have a great experience at our winery. These changes are very welcome and will give us the flexibility to provide visitors a perfect experience when they visit.”

Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said the past few years have been difficult for wineries and tourism across the province, and these measures should help bring people back.

“The changes we are making will create better experiences for visitors of wineries and liquor manufacturers across the province, helping them to be a more competitive and desirable destination for visitors.”