Extended liquor store hours to become permanent: Province

The B.C. government has announced that liquor stores that have been authorized to open earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic will now have the option to maintain expanded morning hours.

Back in April 2020, the Province of BC temporarily authorized liquor retailers such as wine stores and private liquor stores, to open as early as 7 a.m.

This move was made in an effort to facilitate physical distancing for seniors and those who are immunocompromised.

The authorization for the extended hours were set to expire on June 30, 2021.liquor

According to the B.C. government, the decision has been made to turn this temporary authorization permanent. The Province will now allow liquor retailers throughout B.C. to operate between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily, if they choose to do so.

The government says this decision was made to ensure businesses can continue to support their customers – particularly seniors and those who live in rural areas, who have benefited from the convenience of extended retail hours.

The permanent authorization only applies to in-store shopping, notes the B.C. government, suggesting that liquor delivery may only occur after 9 a.m.

“These changes do not override any additional requirements or limitations placed on hours of liquor service by local governments or First Nations,” adds the government in a press release on Wednesday.

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