Various pubs and bars in the province are protesting the change in liquor laws that came into effect July 1 – some owners are saying it will put them out of business – since they have been offering drink specials below the new minimum prices.
James Clancy owns Red Rock Grill in 100 Mile House with his partner, Natalie Cox, and he says they both feel most of the minimum prices indicated in the legislation change are "quite good."
The exception is an increase to the minimum price of a pint of draft beer to $5, which the Red Rock Grill has previously offered at a lower special price.
"The price of the wine and spirits seems great to me, it just seems the draft beer for some reason is priced weird. My pints are cheaper than that already, so I have to raise my pint prices now."
The minimum charge for a pint of draft should have been set at about $3.50, he explains.
"My guests are not going to be as happy when they come in and have to pay more for a pint of beer than they have before."
The restaurant/lounge owner says he thinks the rest of the costing is otherwise fine.
The new law won't increase the Red Rock's charge for a five-ounce glass of wine, a sleeve or bottle of beer, or an ounce of liquor, Clancy notes.
The province has now stipulated a minimum price of $3 for each of those, while a jug of beer-on-tap will now cost at least $15.
"I like that idea of $3 beer. We'll be able to do cheaper buckets and that kind of stuff now."
In a directive to the industry, the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch states the lower prices may also be applied selectively for "ladies night" or "team night" specials.
Meanwhile, 100 Mile House Legion #260 president Bob Wangensteen says the pricing changes are government "window dressing" for the most part, and won't affect the Legion bar's current minimum pricing.
"It's just to say 'we're really doing something' when they are really doing nothing. Our minimum prices are already set and it won't affect those."
The Legion #260 won't offer Happy Hours or any other mid-day specials that don't run all day, he explains.
"It really won't affect us and it doesn't mean anything. We have drink specials every day, and it's rotated through [various drinks] and it's much better than the Happy Hour."
The new regulations also allow restaurant patrons to be served drinks without an obligation to order food as well, although these eating establishments must continue to offer a full menu.
Clancy says that is another disappointment to him, after the many months and big effort he recently put into gaining the licensing to allow him a lounge endorsement to serve liquor without food, just prior to these new laws coming into effect.
"Now, basically all restaurants can do a 'lounge endorsement service'.
"I mean, we are allowed to have live music – which a lot of restaurants can't – but it was a lot of extra money we spent on [getting] that licence, and a year of hassles trying to get blueprint copies and the fire marshal out, and all that, and now everyone can do it."
Government's liquor policy review also closes the gap between pubs and restaurants by allowing families to bring children into pubs at mealtimes.
Furthermore, family hosts with a special occasion licence may serve homemade and U-brew beer, wine or cider.
However, Wangensteen says he disagrees with that change, as it will lead to children in drinking establishments where the parents are not eating and are drinking to the point of providing inadequate supervision.
"I'm dead set against it.... I agree with allowing them in on major events, like Remembrance Day, but across the board, no. You are going to end up with lots of abuse.
"The kids don't need to be subjected to some of the crap that goes on in some of these establishments."
Lakewood Inn/Jake's Pub owner Andy Jacobson declined to comment on the changes at this time.