Family gatherings such as when celebrating weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, retirements, and memorial receptions are a great time to catch up with loved ones, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. For many people, alcohol is also a part of the celebration. While it is pleasant to let loose and enjoy a few drinks with family and friends, it is important to do so responsibly.

In this article, we will discuss how to serve alcohol at family gatherings in British Columbia, including understanding the laws and regulations, applying for a special event permit, choosing the right drinks, and ensuring the safety of your guests.

Understanding the laws and regulations in British Columbia 

British Columbia has strict laws and regulations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol. The legal drinking age is nineteen, and it is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under that age. It is also illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated, and there are strict penalties for doing so. As a host, it is your responsibility to ensure that your guests are drinking responsibly, and to take appropriate action if someone becomes too drunk –more on that below.

In addition to these laws, there are also regulations surrounding where and when alcohol can be served. For example, it is illegal to serve alcohol in a public place without a Special Event Permit, and there are restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in parks and other outdoor spaces. It is important to familiarize yourself with these laws and regulations before hosting a family gathering where alcohol will be served.

Considerations for hosting a special event with alcohol

If you are planning a special event where alcohol will be served, such as a wedding or anniversary celebration, there are additional considerations to keep in mind. Primarily, you will need to apply for a special event permit from the British Columbia Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. This permit will allow you to serve alcohol at your event, but it comes with certain restrictions, such as limits on the amount of alcohol that can be served, and requirements for security and insurance.

You will also need to consider the logistics of serving alcohol at your event. Will you be providing the alcohol yourself, or hiring a catering service or bartender? If you are providing the alcohol, you will need to purchase it in advance and have a plan for transporting and storing it. If you are hiring a service, make sure to choose a reputable company with experience serving alcohol at events similar to yours.

Though you can serve liquor without a permit in a private residence, including common rooms in a strata complex, you cannot sell alcohol to guests, and a permit for it cannot be issued. Also, permit holder, or another designated permit holder, cannot consume alcohol at the event.

Applying for a special event permit

To apply for a special event permit, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the British Columbia Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch at least 10 days before your event. The application will require you to provide details about your event, including the date, time, location, and expected number of guests. You will also need to provide a detailed plan for how you will be serving alcohol, including information about the types of drinks you will be serving, how they’ll be served, and how you will ensure that guests are drinking responsibly.

Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, who may request additional information or documentation. If your application is approved, you will receive your special event permit, which must be displayed prominently at your event. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of your permit carefully, as there may be additional requirements or restrictions that you need to follow.