Imagine the excitement building in the pits of your stomach on the journey up to the Festival, the one you’ve been waiting months to enjoy. All the close friends aren’t too far away, only a few cars behind. Thankfully, you made it just before the traffic really became unbearable. The sun is shining, reflecting off sunglasses and bright coloured clothing as you unload and unpack for the weekend.
It’s dusk now and your favourite band performs in ten minutes. That euphoric feeling of freedom and vitality, you know, the one you’ve been waiting months to experience is about to quickly dissipate. What do you mean no alcohol? No alcohol within any proximity of the stage? I have to stand behind fences that will leave me with a better view of the lavatory facilities than my favourite band? Not exactly what you expected from a world-class destination is it?
Let’s not ruin some of the best experiences that individuals can partake in. Consistency in liquor regulations throughout British Columbia will help to create spaces that are inclusive and representative of the energy and vibrancy that make this province so great.
The issues:
The exemption process for Special Occasion Licenses (SOLs), allowing individuals to hold events where alcohol is being served, is costly and unnecessary
Outdoor Events such as Festivals are not given the same freedoms as other licensed establishments, especially when we think about the types of alcohol that can be sold and consumed as well as where they can be consumed
All licensed establishments can offer various prices and choices on products being sold, but licensed events are not granted these options. Event organizers and attendees are being heavily and unnecessarily restricted
More Freedom in Licensing
The cumbersome restrictions that are put in place in British Columbia which regulate all facets of holding any special function demands critical review and revision. Although individuals and groups are able to throw events at establishments, the additional regulations that are imposed are arbitrary and may seriously jeopardize these parties’ ability to actually create formidable and legitimate events. By overregulating the duration of any event, the type of alcohol that can be served, the amount that can be charged, the frequency of events by a licensee, as well as license fee restrictions, the province of British Columbia is imposing additional and unnecessary costs on parties that hope to increase the degree of social interaction and enjoyment that all people should be entitled to. In removing the more out-dated aspects of process, the government can further contribute to the freedom and vitality of its people, for the benefit of all communities.
Consistency for Outdoor Events
The time when we can enjoy the company of one another in the great outdoors is an opportunity that we should not only cherish but actively work to sustain and strengthen. The archaic regulations surrounding Outdoor Licensing undercut the notion of equality and largely disenfranchise citizens. If any fines imposed on licensees are consistent with licensed establishments such as local pubs, the benefits and regulations should also be the same. Outdoor events should be allowed to operate more freely, with easier mobility and inviting atmospheres that allow the citizenry to fully embrace the attributes that make British Columbia so great.
Increased Price Flexibility and Additional Choice
Licensed events should operate in the very same capacity as licensed venues. When event licensees are afforded greater choice in levying fees that will offer the best fit for their function and their attendees, we can ensure that any event that is thrown will be granted an honest and legitimate opportunity for success, especially considering the inequality that already resides in the ability of licensed establishments to freely charge patrons what they wish. Additionally, the unnecessary restrictions that are imposed on the type of alcohol that can be served ultimately become impediments to the citizens that hope to enjoy their favourite beverage with a several friends and colleagues at an event that they have looked forward to for some time. By offering greater price flexibility and additional choices at functions, licensees can ensure that their events are successful while better catering to our diverse population.
