At least two pubs in Richmond will have to raise prices for beers, thanks to new government regulations that some are calling an outright "tax grab."
The Pioneer's Pub and Kingswood Pub will both see rate hikes for their low-end daily specials: A pint of beer at Kingswood costs $4.90 while the house special at Pioneer's costs just $4.25.
"It means we'll have to raise our prices.
Now we'll have to start charging $5, so it's working in reverse for us," said Pioneer's manager Justin Brow, speaking to the recent changes in liquor laws that were supposedly intended to liberate pubs and restaurants from bureaucratic red tape.
"I know our customers aren't happy," he said.
According to new regulations, released last Friday by the Ministry of Justice, cider and draught beer cannot be priced lower than 25 cents per ounce, wine at 60 cents per once and liqueurs and spirits at $2 per ounce.
A true pint of beer will now cost a minimum of $5 no matter where you go in the province. The new regulation, however, will not affect most pubs in Richmond such as the Flying Beaver, Legends, ANAF Steveston, and the
Pumphouse Taphouse because a pint of their cheapest beer already sells for $5 or more.
The price changes happened concurrently with the introduction of happy hours, which will now allow pubs and restaurants to alter the prices of alcoholic drinks throughout the day with the intention of drawing customers in during off-peak hours.
The changes are part of 73 recommendations made by local MLA John Yap that will ultimately result in a complete re-write of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act planned for next spring.
"To balance health and safety, we have put into effect price floors that align with the views expressed by health advocates during our liquor consultations and will help to encourage responsible consumption," said Yap in an online news release.
Glenn Jensen, owner of Legends Pub, acknowledged the price floors could prevent alcohol abuse, particularly in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
However, he also sees it as another money-making opportunity for the government.
"They get an extra 17 per cent tax on the difference. It's more or less another tax grab," said Jensen.
None of the pubs have actually been informed of the official changes.
"So far there's nothing for us to do. We haven't gotten official notice on anything, really. I'm not even sure if it has even been OK'd," said Jensen.
One other change that the public may notice is the allowance of brewers and distillers at farmer's markets.
Henry Pietraszek, manager of the Steveston Farmer's Market, said he is still waiting for official confirmation as to the details of what is allowed at his market. He said there have been expressions of interest from local merchants.
"I think it will add a nice extra colour to the market," said Pietraszek.
