Liquor Update:
This change applies only to the following licences:
- Liquor Primary (LP)
- Manufacturer (on-site store)
- Licensee Retail Store (LRS)
- Wine Store
What’s changing
Previously, minors needed to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to be allowed in some liquor licensed establishments.
The Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation is amended to allow minors to be accompanied by a variety of responsible adults, including a:
- parent,
- guardian,
- stepparent,
- grandparent,
- spouse of the minor, or
- adult who could reasonably be expected to act in place of a parent and be responsible for supervision of the minor.
Helpful information
The updates can be found in the:
- Liquor Primary Licence Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 532KB)
- Manufacturer Licence Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 539KB)
- Wine Store and Special Wine Store Licence Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 518KB)
- Licensee Retail Store Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 413KB)
- Liquor Policy Manual (PDF, 1.7KB)
The change is in line with the level of risk posed to minors and with current practices. For example, minors are often already accompanied by a responsible adult, such as a grandparent.
Licensees still have discretion to refuse service if, for example, a minor does not have adequate supervision or if the licensee believes a patron is attempting to purchase liquor for a minor.