Bulletin 25-01: Liquor Primary licences may offer bottle service

Publication date: January 16, 2025

Who's impacted

These changes apply to the following: 

  • Liquor Primary
  • Liquor Primary Club

What's changing

Liquor Primary establishments are now permitted to sell and serve a whole bottle of spirits, commonly known as bottle service.

Bottle service is a VIP experience primarily offered in nightclubs and bars. It may include a reserved table, a bottle of spirits, and a dedicated server at a premium price. The server pours the spirits according to maximum serving sizes. The ice, drink mix and garnishes may be provided at the table for patrons to add themselves.

Licensees who sell and serve a bottle of spirits (bottle service), must follow these terms and conditions:

  • You must not pour more than the maximum serving size per patron at any time.

  • A whole bottle of spirits must not be sold within the last hour of liquor service.

  • You must maintain control of the bottle of spirits during liquor service and have a system to ensure that patrons do not self-serve.

  • Any remaining liquor in the bottle can be stored for the patron’s exclusive use if you have created secure and separate storage for this purpose.

    • In Liquor Primary Clubs with locker room privileges, the bottle of spirits may alternatively be stored by the member in their locker.

  • Any remaining liquor must be disposed of immediately if separate storage measures have not been established.

Read the changes in the: 

Helpful information

No application is required. This change will automatically take effect for all Liquor Primary licensees.

If you offer VIP table reservations, they can be tied to an all-inclusive package that includes liquor in the purchase price, as long as:

  • The amount of liquor provided is specified and not unlimited, and is separately itemized in the patron’s bill (including the different sales tax for liquor)
  • It is compliant with the maximum serving-size restrictions per patron and all other liquor sales terms and conditions

FInd these rules in the Liquor Primary Licence Terms and Conditions Handbook (Selling Liquor section).

Disclaimer

Bulletins are for general information and may not apply to all situations. Bulletins do not constitute legal advice nor are they a comprehensive statement of the legal obligations that arise under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, regulations, or any other applicable laws.

When interpreting and applying the information contained in the Bulletins, you are encouraged to seek advice from your professional advisors as appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Questions

If you have questions about this policy change, email  LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca