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What is a meal? Scotch Eggs and Covid Protocols
Earlier this month British politician Michael Gove found himself in a spot of controversy over the delicate question of whether or not a Scotch Egg (a boiled egg wrapped in ground pork, breaded, and deep-fried) is a “meal” substantial enough to comply with the UK’s most recent COVID-19 Regulations that restrict pubs in the “high alert” tier to only serving alcohol with a “table meal”. The Regulations explain that a “table meal” is a meal “such as might be expected to be served as the main mid-day or main evening meal, or as a main course at either such meal”. This rather unhelpful definition can be read in its full context here.
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Food Primary Liquor Licence: Operating Outside of Licence Purpose
As Alcohol & Advocacy has previously explained, British Columbia’s Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch issues food primary licences to businesses (restaurants) where the primary purpose of the establishment, through all hours and areas of operation, is the service of food.
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What’s in a name? Changes coming to Food Primary Licence Naming Policy
British Columbia’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch is reviewing its policies on naming and signage for establishments with food primary liquor licences. You can read the consultation paper here.
CSI BC: Illicit Liquor Edition
We have all had the experience: that niggling suspicion that the bar or nightclub we’re in is watering down its booze – or maybe that the liquor coming out of the bottle isn’t of the same quality as the label would suggest. Personally I’ve only ever felt that way in questionable nightclubs, but as the decision of the General Manager of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch in re 395047 B.C. Ltd. dba Boston Pizza makes clear, even family-friendly chain restaurants can fall into the trap of cutting corners with their liquor supply.
What signage will your establishment be required to display as “Public Educational Materials” in 2015?
In response to Recommendations #3, #4 and #5 contained in the Final Report, the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch is considering a requirement that in 2015 all licensed establishments and liquor stores display “social responsibility educational materials” in their premises.
Minimum Wage for Liquor Servers
The minimum wage in British Columbia is set out in the Regulation of the Employment Standards Act. Since May 1, 2011 there has been a separate minimum wage for employees who serve liquor in British Columbia. The general minimum wage is currently $10.25 per hour, whereas the minimum wage for those who serve liquor is $9.00 per hour.
Focusing on Food Part 2
On December 5, 2014 the British Columbia Supreme Court published the reasons for judgment in Brownco Holdings Ltd. v. British Columbia (Liquor Control and Licensing Branch) (“Brownco Holdings”).
Focusing on Food Part 1 – Liquor Licence Laws BC
The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch issues food primary licences to businesses (restaurants) where the primary purpose, through all hours and areas of operation, is the service of food. This is in contrast to liquor primary licences (bars, lounges and night clubs) where the primary purpose of the business is the service of liquor.