A simpler alcohol permit system in sight for Quebec
(Nov. 11/11) Following CRFA action, the Régie des alcools, des jeux et des courses du Québec (RAJCQ) is proposing a number of changes to reduce red tape and administration costs in the alcohol permit process.
Proposed changes
Many of RAJCQ’s suggestions mirror CRFA’s recommendations:
- implement two types of permits – one to sell (restaurant’s beverage alcohol), and one to serve (customers bring their own beverage alcohol);
- remove the obligation to have one permit per room (and a separate patio permit);
- enable restaurants with a serving permit to accept wine, beer and alcohol;
- allow servers to re-cork unfinished bottles;
- extend the time adults with children can drink beverage alcohol on patios from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and
- train employees that serve alcohol.
An example
With these changes, a restaurant with five permits (one permit to sell, one permit for the patio, and three bar permits) will now be required to have only two permits – one to sell and one for all the restaurant’s bars.
Next steps
The RAJCQ will present these recommendations to the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Sam Hamad, later this month.
CRFA will also address the value of permits if these changes are implemented.