Bulletin 24-04: Update to guided tours and sampling at a manufacturer site
Last updated on April 5, 2024Samples
What's changing
Maximum individual sample sizes have been removed from the Manufacturer Licence Terms and Conditions. Instead, there are new and increased limits on the volume of samples that may be sold to each patron per day:
- Winery: Multiple servings (e.g., flights) are permitted to a total maximum of 10 oz (284 ml) per patron per day
- Brewery/Cidery: Multiple servings (e.g., flights) are permitted to a total maximum of 24 oz (682 ml) per person per day
- Distillery: Multiple servings (e.g., flights) are permitted to a total maximum of 3 oz (85 ml) per patron per day. The volume limits for spirits do not include any mix added to the samples, e.g., tonic water
What's staying the same
There are no limits on the volume of free samples you can serve patrons daily, but you must not serve patrons to the point of intoxication.
The maximum volume of samples sold per patron per day applies even if the samples are served in multiple areas.
Guided tours
What's changing
Manufacturers may vary guided tour routes anywhere on the manufacturing site.
- For example, a manufacturer may want to tour different areas of a vineyard during different seasons.
Seated intervals are permitted during a guided tour and must be supervised by the tour guide.
- For example, a manufacturer may want to provide a short education session and serve samples while patrons are seated.
Temporary seating provided for patrons during a tour is not intended to be an alternate consumption area.
Packaged liquor sales from an on-site store are now permitted on a guided tour. For example, through a mobile-point-of-sale system.
What's staying the same
Guided tours cannot pass through other businesses located onsite or service areas under a separate liquor licence unless they are held by the manufacturer.
Terms and conditions
To read all the rules for these changes, please refer to the:
Related Bulletins
- Bulletin 24-02: Sales in a manufacturer picnic area
- Bulletin 24-03: Update to packaged sales from an on-site store
Disclaimer
Bulletins are for general information and may not apply to all situations. Bulletins do not constitute legal advice nor are they a comprehensive statement of the legal obligations that arise under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, regulations, or any other applicable laws.
When interpreting and applying the information contained in the Bulletins, you are encouraged to seek advice from your professional advisors as appropriate in the circumstances.
If you have questions about this policy change, email LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca