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B.C. Ferries to begin serving alcohol on routes between Vancouver Island, mainland

B.C. Ferries will begin introducing more B.C. wines, beers, ciders and other alcoholic beverages on board their vessels by summer's end following a successful pilot project.
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B.C. Ferries will begin introducing more B.C. wines, beers, ciders and other alcoholic beverages on board their vessels by summer's end following a successful pilot project that took place in 2019 and 2020. B.C. FERRIES

It’s not exactly a rum-fuelled adventure on a pirate ship, but you’ll soon be able to enjoy an alcoholic drink while sailing on the high seas.

B.C. Ferries will begin introducing more B.C. wines, beers, ciders and other alcoholic beverages on board their vessels by summer’s end, following a pilot project in 2019 and 2020.

The ferry corporation has applied for liquor licences from the B.C. liquor and cannabis regulation branch to allow for the sale and service of alcohol with the purchase of a meal in select Coastal Cafés on major routes connecting the mainland and Vancouver Island. Tentative approval has been issued and pending final review, ferry passengers can expect to order a drink on ferries by the end of summer.

Liquor service will be available starting with three routes: Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen to Duke Point, and Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. All staff working at Coastal Cafés with liquor service will be required to hold Serving It Right certification. As part of B.C. Ferries’ liquor licence conditions, customers age 19 and older can order a maximum of two alcoholic drinks with the purchase of a meal.