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CRFA Update

CRFA continues to push the B.C. government for action on the new drinking and driving penalties – most recently in a meeting of nearly 100 mid Vancouver Island/Nanaimo area pub and restaurant operators with Nanaimo’s MLA Ron Cantelon, Mayor John Ruttan and B.C.’s Solicitor General Rich Coleman.

Minister Coleman reconfirmed his commitment to amend the legislation – his proposed change returns the weight of the penalties to drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 and includes an appeal mechanism to remove the police’s absolute administrative power. BAC consumer information for liquor establishment patrons will be available shortly.

Minister Coleman also used the opportunity to solicit feedback from attendees on changes to B.C.’s liquor trade practice and tied house rules. During consultations on these rules, CRFA advocated eliminating unnecessary regulatory barriers to the liquor marketplace.