Amateur

New liquor laws support BC courses

The Provincial Government is cutting the red tape around liquor licensing for golf courses and ski areas.  This will make it easier for courses to hold special events outside of their licensed areas.  Previously, courses had to apply for special permits for each use and pay a $330 fee for each application.

The process has now been streamlined so that ski areas and golf courses need only apply once per year, with one fee, and hold up to 26 events per year.  These events (like weddings) are typically held outdoors, away from the licensed areas of the club.  Clubs can now plan in advance what events they wish to hold and book these events secure in the knowledge that they will be able  use their license.

The change will come into effect December 9, 2014 and courses will be able to apply for their annual permits at that time.  Courses must still obtain local government approval.

Kris Jonasson, Executive Director of British Columbia Golf attended the announcement.

“Its great to see the government working hard to cut red tape for small business and tourism operations in the province,” said Jonasson. “Golf courses throughout BC extend their licensed areas quite often for our customers, to host weddings and for large gatherings.  This change will be a great relief for many.”