Automated Liquor Dispensing Systems
In keeping with industry advances across North America, and beyond, BC took steps to update it’s rules regarding the ‘self service’ of liquor – Essentially this has been done to permit the use of the newest generation of automated liquor dispensing systems in Bars and Restaurants across BC.
We had the good fortune to be able to check out one of these systems set up for wine tasting, at Barboursville Vineyards, Virginia recently – Their set up was impressive.
The BC Government has chosen to bring it’s own brand of regulation to this area of the industry – Here are the current requirements as found in their Hospitality Licensee Handbooks:
Licensees ” are permitted to use automated liquor dispensing systems in your service area, if the liquor being dispensed from the system comes from the original containers purchased from an authorized source.
Automated liquor dispensing systems fixed to a seating area, including table-top liquor dispensing systems, are prohibited.
To operate an automated liquor dispensing system in your establishment, (Licensees) must comply with the following:
- The system must:
- Be installed in a location that is clearly visible at all times to staff of the establishment.
- Be disabled 30 minutes prior to the end of liquor service and only be re-activated when liquorhours begin by the licensee or the on-duty manager/supervisor.
- Not accept any kind of direct payment from patrons. Payment must be made to the licensee or
their staff.
- The licensee or staff-member(s) who is authorizing patrons to dispense liquor must be Serving It Right
certified.
- Maximum serving sizes apply. A patron must not be able to dispense more
than the maximum serving size at any one time.
- Licensee staff must be able to shut off a patron’s access to the system at any time.”
If anyone in the hospitality sector has questions on how to operate these type of systems in their BC based bar or restaurant ; please feel free to reach out – We will be happy to help.
