A win for members! Liquor licence reform in Quebec
(May 4/12) Following years of lobbying by CRFA – and as promised in this year’s budget – Quebec’s Minister of Public Security Robert Dutil is moving to modernize the province’s archaic liquor licence legislation.
The proposed new rules
Minister Dutil’s proposed bill significantly reduces red tape for operators in the province, by requiring only one licence per establishment, instead of the current requirement of one per room. Additionally, the legislation will:
- allow customers to take home opened wine bottles bought in the restaurant if re-sealed;
- permit cafés and canteens to serve wine and beer because small snacks now qualify as meals;
- allow minors to remain on licensed patios until 11 p.m. when accompanied by an adult; and
- provide for increased accountability for restaurant managers and “responsible service” training for servers.
Next steps
The bill will be sent to committee with the goal of passing it before the National Assembly rises for its summer break. CRFA will participate in committee hearings, and is working with operators to assess the impact of the new rules and ensure the best outcome for Quebec’s licensees.