How Outdated Are the Liquor Laws?

The recent Rio Theatre vs. B.C. Liquor Control debacle has caused widespread discontent among locals and the remaining supporters of single-screen movie theatres.

According to new liquor laws, theatres with liquor licenses are now able to both screen movies and serve alcohol–just not at the same time. Furthermore, showtimes would have to be scheduled in stone, which is difficult, as live performances at venues are subject to change. Owners are still unsatisfied with the latest concession; however, it doesn’t seem to be any new news. The frustration can be traced back to nearly a century ago.

1920- After aggressive waves of the Temperance Movement, provinces finally repealed prohibition laws and allowed government stores to sell liquor.

1921- Because of the Government Liquor Act, that deemed unlicensed public consumption of alcohol illegal, many Vancouver businesses converted to “private clubs.” Members of these clubs were then allowed to consume liquor.

1971- All liquor advertising (on TV, newsprint, etc.), were banned for a short period of time.

1976- Three types of venues are prohibited from selling alcohol: arcades, businesses which cater to youth, and movie theatres.

1987- Following Expo ’86, the government begins to loosen liquor laws, even moving toward privatizing liquor stores. However, the old “demon rum” attitude is not all gone, as people still did not trust the substance to be regulated by market forces.

A frequent movie-goer, Jacqueline, commented, “The only thing that concerns me about more lenient liquor laws is peoples’ behaviors during movies; however, I would encourage more lenient liquor laws.” It is, after all, an entertainment venue.

Even though liquor laws have been liberalized over the century and progress has been made, traces of an antiquated temperance movement still echo in our contemporary society. It seems like more could be done for progress to be applauded.

Photo from http://www.northhillsoap.com/

About the Author: Richelle Zheng

Richelle is a grade twelve student at Prince of Wales Secondary. She loves writing, photography and travel. To her, hockey + K-pop + Twitter is the best combination on any given night. Richelle dreams unrealistically of living in Manhattan someday.

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