There was really only one local story this year: The B.C. Liquor Policy Review.
And it continues to evolve. Finally, Victoria woke up and realized (albeit right before an election) that the province's blossoming (but still relatively neophyte) wine, craft brewing and craft distilling industries are hampered by outdated and illogically restrictive regulations at almost every level. Add retailers into that mix too.
In the past the need to bring B.C.'s antiquated liquor laws up to date has usually been framed by the argument about whether to privatize or not to privatize the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch. That debate remains ongoing.
But thanks to the efforts of groups such as Modernize Wine Association of B.C. and the Free My Grapes movement, producers and all manner of interested parties (who needed not only a serious hearing but solutions) were finally successful in gaining the government's ear.
One of the prime catalysts was the situation surrounding the 2012 cancellation of the Belfry Theatre's right to hold a charity wine auction. Thanks to the over-zealous action of a local liquor licensing inspector, a wealth of charitable fundraisers came under threat. Only when the issue wound up on the floor of the legislature did people realize just how out of control things had really become. While one hand of government was slashing cultural and arts funds to the bone in the name of fiscal responsibility, the other hand was busy denying those same organizations the right to raise critical funds as they had for years. It was absurdities such as these, along with a wealth of other frustrations, including illogical restrictions on tourism activities to near-impossible hurdles to anyone wishing to open a distillery, that finally launched the B.C. Liquor Policy Review. The government has already indicated support for 12 of some 70 recommendations, including sale of craft alcohol products at farmers markets and secondary tasting rooms.
If you've ever travelled to wine regions south of the border, you'll know the importance of that secondary tasting room item.
Small towns such as Washington's Walla Walla, or California's Los Olivos have thrived thanks to convenient tasting rooms that not only save visitors effort and travel time but also save wear and tear on smaller wineries that maybe don't have staff or budget to maintain full-time rooms. Hopefully we'll see many more common sense changes announced early in the new year.The sale of wine and beer (though not likely spirits) in grocery stores is also likely to proceed in some form or other, though by which model is not clear. The multiple changes to B.C.'s liquor policy are laudable, but they're also about 20 years overdue. However, the one major obstacle to a balanced and freer market that
remains unaddressed is the introduction of a viable wholesale price system. That would be one to allow private retailers to fairly compete with government stores and restaurants to sell wine and other alcohol with a decent return, without having to gouge an already tax-weary diner. Maybe next time.
Happy New Year's! Belly's Best Taittinger Nocturne Sec Rosé DiscoWe're into serious bubbly territory here. Here's a real razzle-dazzle package that appeals outside just as much as what's in the bottle. Fine bubbles with persistent mousse, aromas of stone-fruit before a creamy off-dry palate and lingering finish. The most fun Champagne package of the season by far ($90-ish, private stores).
