Ski Season, Minors, and Drinks…….

Despite the slow start in many areas, Ski Season is in full swing across the Kootenays and beyond – It’s that time of year when our slopes, resorts, and resort communities become really busy with visitors, families, and adventure seekers from all over.

For our ski resorts;  bars; restaurant; staff ; liquor stores;  cannabis stores; and recreation facilities, like Hockey Arenas, this (thankfully) means a boost in business and visitor numbers. It also makes them higher risk in the eyes of Government, for the potential of minors seeking out liquor service. Also remember, Government uses young people as ‘Minor Agents’ to test compliance.

As always,  the hard working staff in all these businesses well know; as you get more busy the more challenging it becomes to make sure customers are of age; or that their older friends are not sneaking them drinks.

If you are a Licensee this makes it a great time to remind staff of the need to check IDs – Let them know your expectations; and keep a record of doing so.

If you are busy working in a licensed resort or establishment, if a customer looks young, take that extra moment to ask for IDs, ask relevant questions and verify they are of age.

If your workplace is tested by ‘Minor Agents’, and they secure liquor service, the penalties for the business are significant, and have an impact on the liquor licence.