Festival beer gardens could be a thing of the past by this summer, if the BC government gets its way.
A set of recommendations, highlighted from the now released final report on the BC liquor policy review, received full support from the province. In total, 73 liquor law recommendations from the report have all now been approved.
Some of the recommendations supported by government include eliminating beer garden fencing at festivals, simplifying the special occasion licence (SOL) process, and moving applications online thus making the whole process easier for the approximately 25,000 SOLs that are issued each year.
Once legislative changes are made, festival-goers would be able to roam festival grounds with a pint, rather than be restricted to a cordoned-off area.
The government said this will also help decrease the cost for festival organizers and allow parents with kids to enjoy a beer and still be together.
In addition, the sale of mixed drinks would also be allowed. As it currently stands, only the sale of beer, wine, cider and cooler products is permitted.
