B.C. Liquor Control Board, Licensing(Victoria, British Columbia) Feb 25, 1999 All Licensees, Capital Regional District I have been watching with interest the introduction on January 1, 1999, by the Capital Regional Health authorities of the Clean Air Bylaw No. 2401. I have received a number of queries regarding what role, if any, the Liquor Control Licensing Branch has in respect to the enforcement of this Bylaw and I thought it might be helpful to write to all Licensees with my reply. As I have previously advised the hospitality industry associations, it is the responsibility of the local authorities to enforce compliance with this bylaw along with the various other bylaws that affect the operation of businesses in a particular district or municipality. The enforcement role of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch is to supervise licensed establishments and their compliance with the "Liquor Control and Licensing Act" (italics) and regulations and the terms and conditions of the liquor license. Nonetheless, I am concerned that several incidents involving licensed establishments that have been reported as arising while the CRD officials were enforcing the bylaw, may be contrary to the "Liquor Control and Licensing Act" (italics) and regulations. I understand that in these isolated situations, licensees or staff have allowed or encouraged tensions to escalate to the point that the safety of persons within the licensed establishment, including those charged with the responsibility for enforcing the bylaw, may have been at risk. I thought it important in the interest of public safety, to remind all licensees in the Capital Regional District that under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act a licensee is responsible for ensuring that violent and disorderly conduct does not occur and especially is not encouraged within their establishments. In addition patrons are not permitted to become intoxicated nor are intoxicated persons permitted to enter or remain within a licensed establishment. Further, the Act requires that signs may not be displayed inside or outside of a licensed establishment unless they are approved by the Branch. Approval has been given for posting "no smoking" signs that comply with a local government bylaw requiring their display. Signs advising patrons that smoking is occurring within a licensed establishment have not been approved. Evidence presented to the Branch indicating that a licensed establishment is not complying with the act, regulations or terms and conditions of the liquor license may result in enforcement action relating to the liquor licensing privileges of the establishment. Your very truly, cc: Chiefs of Police |