BC Liquor Manufacturer Authorization to Produce & Sell Hand Sanitizer Extended

In response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and to support BC liquor manufacturers by increasing revenue generating opportunities, the General Manager of the BC Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (BCLCRB) has extended authorization for licensed BC liquor manufacturers to use their facilities to produce and package alcohol-based sanitizers until 30 days after the Public Health Officer announces that BC has entered Step 4 of BC’s Restart Plan. The policy directive also extends the period a manufacturer may sell or donate the sanitizer they produce to six months after the authorization to manufacturer/package has expired (the end date was previously September 30/2021).

View BCLCRB Policy Directive 21-19 (PDF).

BC is currently in Step 3, which began July 1/2021. The criteria for moving to Step 4 is more than 70% of the population 18 years or older has at least one dose of the vaccine, low case counts and hospitalizations. As of Friday, October 8, 88.6% of eligible people 12 years of age and older have received at least one dose of an approved vaccine. Back in August the government suggested that a September Step 4 start would be unlikely, because case counts and hospitalizations have been on the rise. Now, there’s also a sharp increase in cases amongst school-aged children. BC’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has responded by tightening mask mandates including mandatory masks for all K-12 students and staff.

Questions About Compliance for Your BC Liquor or Cannabis Business?

If you have questions about compliance with provincial orders, BCLCRB policy directives, or about how to make your business more successful, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors can help.