tap for B.C. Andrew McCredie Editor andrew@nsnews.com THE provincial gov- ernment is poised to overhaul B.C.’s liquor laws. The Review of Requlations in the Province of British Columbia, authoured by con- sultant Jo Surich, proposes sweeping recommendations affecting the way restaurants, pubs, government liquor stores and U-brews operate. Report recommendations accepted by the government include: B@ reducing the 10 licence types to nwo: an A licence for establishments that mainly serve liquor and a B licence for those that mainly serve food; @ eliminating certain regula- tory policies thar serve no public health or safety pur- pose, for example the number and size of television moni- tors; B simplifying _ licensing approval to reduce application processing time from the cur- rent 18 months to six to 12 weeks; @ allowing wineries to serve wine and food without need- ing numerous licences; licensing and increased reg- ulation of U-brews and U- vins operations; B allowing credit card sales at government liquor stores, and opening certain stores on Sundays. According to Finance Minister Joy MacPhail, the proposed changes are intend- ed to eliminate insignificant Sureaucratic details. “They'll also help support our $8.7 million tourism industry,” added = Small Business, Tourism and Culture Minister Ian Waddell. “The changes will encourage new business and job creation in an industry that already directly employs 113,000 British Columbians.” It is this point which most pleases Geoffrey Howes. “You'll soon be able to walk into a licensed restaurant in B.C. and legally enjoy a glass of wine or beer without engaging in a quiz game with your server about ordering a meal,” said Howes, vice presi- dent of Government Affairs for the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “Over the years, the govern- ment and the entire hospitali- \N 7 aah iS 10% off until Mar, 31/99 ) ORGANIC TREATMENT Guaranteed 5 years Family Operated since 1934 Dr. MILES PRICE EST CONTRO! > 926-0230 ty industry has spent much tine, effort and money quib- bling over rules that few peo- ple understand, let alone sup- port.” The Britisl. Columbia Wine Institute chairman agreed, noting that the elimi- nation of red tape will benetit the province's wineries. “These changes will offer greater flexibility fer our wineries to continue to proac- tively serve the growing agri- tourism — industry,” fan Tostenson said. “It will allow wineries ta add value to their customers.” Likewise, the province's hobby brewers and vintners are vehind the new recom- mendations, calling the pro- posed regulations tor brew: on-premises “equitable and necessary. “At the same time when small business in this province are under more scrutiny and economic pressure than ever before, it is crucial that this licensing scheme reflect Minister MacPhail’s recom- mendations for less red tape,” said Barbara Hopkins, of the B.C. Hobby Brewers and Vintners Association. “We look forward to working with government officials to devel- op this scheme to be fair to all, recognizing all stake hold- ers, especially the major one being the public and their right to pursue this hobby.” 10% OFF BEDRCOM LIVING e NEWS photo Terry Peters TRAFFIC remains slowed while crews repair flaod-damaged pavement at the Westview Interchange. Cause of damage to highway a mystery ENGINEERS still don’t know why a flood damaged pavement on the Upper Levels Highway near the Westview Interchange. Ministry of Transportation and Highways spokesman Brenda Jones said either a water main, natural erosion or “another issue” caused the problem. It became apparent March 23 when bumps were noticed on the easthound 5 99 cone Obi. 3 | g§ si ‘Saclates: Soe pike sofa bed frame, nee mee Wile Faw ca fon sctch-sdd fata cet. Piloaas and pifices cavers, eile quachiies last os FACTORY FUTON Entrance in rear tane DINING pay 2 Mon.- Sal, 1i-Gpm Synday 12-5 pn on-ramp to the highway. Jones said ‘Thursday the bottom layer of pavement is complete, but work on the top layer is delayed until drier weather arrives. She said it’s possible it could be tin- ished, with line-painting, sometime this weekend. “Rain and para don’t necessar- ily agree,” she said. Unul then, eastbound traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway can’t exit ar Lonsdale oor enter oat Westview. Vestbound trattic can’t enter at Lonsdale or exit at Westview. Eastbound traffic is limited to 40 km- h; westbound traffic may travel up to 60 km-h. Cost of the repairs is not yet known, Jones said. Capilano Highway Services is doing the work. The Westview Interchange was built nwo years ago for $34 million. — Bub Mackin Keith A. 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