Liquor Licence & Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) Highlights for Liquor Sales Licencees

On November 29th 2021, the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) and the regulations under the LLCA come into effect, enabling the AGCO to modernize the way it regulates the sale, service and delivery of liquor, and importantly, lay the groundwork for a more flexible approach to regulation.

 Here are some highlights for Liquor Sales Licensees:

• Infused liquor to create drinks or change the flavour of liquor through practices such as barrel aging, as long as the customer is informed, will be permitted. 

• The ABV limits for wine and brew pubs will be removed.  

• Under “Take Home the Rest” (a.k.a Bring Your Own Wine Endorsement), a bottle of commercially made wine removed from a licensed premise will need to be “securely closed”.  This will allow, for example, a screw top bottle to be re-closed with the original cap. 

• Light meals will not be required in a licensed premise or at events under a Caterer’s Endorsement. 

• Extension of the existing policy, to allow for the temporary physical extension of premises at liquor licensed establishments, until January 1, 2023

For Liquor Delivery Licences:

• The 90-day limit on contracting out of Liquor Delivery Service licences be removed.

• The minimum age for employees and contractors is reduced from 19 years to 18 years to bring consistency with rules for licensed premises.

For more information please consult the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA)