Why ‘Due Diligence’ is Key to your Licensed Business
One of LCRB’s core roles in BC is the prevention of over service, to ensure public safety – Like government agencies in other Provinces responsible for regulating liquor, they have wide powers regarding incidents that result from over service; or where evidence of over service is detected.
We offer a program that helps support Licensee’s staff to prevent such instances occurring; and also provides evidence of the Licensee’s due diligence regarding this important issue, should enforcement, or other legal action ever arise.
This program is designed to protect: You, your Licence, your Business, your Staff, and your Customers – Please reach out if you would like to learn more about this, or our other services…
Below is a great recent example of circumstances where a Licensed Business has faced enforcement action, and could face other legal proceedings. You will see that penalties can be significant for these type of incidents; as is the case in BC- The content is from a CTV News Toronto article by Alex Arsenych:
An out of Province Restaurant & Bar could have its liquor licence suspended for 60 days after allegedly intoxicated patrons were involved in a fatal car crash.
According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
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(AGCO), staff at the restaurant on Ontario Street over-served a number of patrons between Dec. 17 and the early morning hours of Dec. 18. The crown agency, in an Oct. 10 news release, said that they continued to serve them alcohol even after showing signs of intoxication.
The AGCO said the patrons were then involved in a single motor vehicle crash after leaving the Boston Pizza in a car.
One of the passengers in the vehicle was killed, while the other sustained unknown injuries.
“Bars and restaurants have a duty to serve responsibly in order to keep their communities safe and avoid preventable harm. Responsible service saves lives and prevents tragedies like this one.” – Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and registrar.
The AGCO also determined that the business made several violations contrary to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, including selling or supplying alcohol to those who were or appeared to be intoxicated, and failure to ensure those involved in the sale or service of liquor held a valid certificate proving they successfully completed a training course approved by AGCO’s Board of Directors.
The commission said it holds high expectations for its liquor licensees to be safe and responsible with alcohol sales, adding it is their responsibility to ensure their staff are properly trained to notice the signs of intoxication.
