CRFA's Manitoba Lobbyist
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Dwayne Marling |
Liquor changes on tap in Manitoba
(Apr. 21/08) The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has introduced changes to the Liquor Control Act in an effort to modernize outdated regulations and reduce violent incidents in the workplace. The amendments will:
- allow the MLCC to conduct safety evaluations of licensed premises and quickly close or prohibit the sale of liquor at a licensed premise in the event of a serious incident
- introduce a vacating clause for cabarets similar to beverage rooms and cocktail lounges
- require new licensed establishments include their maximum hours of liquor service on public notices
- grant authority to the licensing board or MLCC board of commissioners to impose significant fines for breaches of the Act
The majority of the amendments come directly from the recommendations of a report on Safety In Licensed Premises, which was developed by government, industry and other stakeholders and released in December 2007. The report laid out 13 recommendations for improvements to safety in licensed establishments and was drafted in response to a series of violent incidents in Winnipeg bars. Additional housekeeping amendments were also introduced, including an increase in the maximum number of drinks that can be served to one person from one to two (thus eliminating the “one drink rule”).
Additional regulatory changes
In addition to the proposed amendments, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has addressed some of the safety recommendations through regulation. The following regulations are now in place:
- Licensees are required to advise the MLCC of the primary manager responsible for the licensed premise and to submit that individual to a criminal record check.
- Applicants for cocktail lounge, beverage room, cabaret or spectator activities licences must submit a security plan as part of the licence application.
CRFA supports a progressive, flexible, and equitable liquor licensing system that better responds to customer and licensee needs, and welcomes these changes as a good first step. CRFA will continue to work with the MLCC on further improvements, including reducing red tape during the application process and moving towards a more streamlined licensing environment.