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Who can apply and what are the responsibilities?
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Who applies for the licence?
It is the host’s responsibility to apply for a SOL. This could be an individual or a representative from a club, business or group. Event coordinators, caterers or managers cannot apply on the host’s behalf. The applicant must be at least 19 years old and a permanent resident of British Columbia.
What are my responsibilities as a licence holder?
Once you have obtained a SOL, it becomes your responsibility to protect guests from any harm that may result from drinking—this is called Duty of Care. This includes harm that may occur at the event or elsewhere after the guests have left. If you serve alcohol to someone who becomes impaired, be aware that you may be legally liable for that person’s behaviour until that patron gets home or to another place and is able to sober up.
Additionally, if a guest appears intoxicated you must not serve or sell them liquor. You have a responsibility and a right under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act to forbid an intoxicated person to enter, or request that they leave the area covered by your SOL. Take steps to ensure that the person does not harm himself/herself or others.
Serving it Right: The Responsible Beverage Service Program
If applying as a representative of a club, business or other group, you and any paid or unpaid managers for your event must obtain certification by Serving It Right: The Responsible Beverage Service Program, before you apply for a SOL. Only paid servers must complete the Serving it Right program. The purpose of this program is to
make people aware of their responsibilities when serving alcohol to guests or patrons. There is a nominal fee and a short test that can be done by correspondence or online. Individuals obtaining a SOL for a private family event are usually not required to complete this program, but if you hire managers (paid or unpaid) or servers, they must each have a Serving It Right certificate. If the person serving the liquor is not being paid, no certificate is required.
Designated Drivers
Ensure a safe ride home for everyone. For more information and to request “get home safe” materials, contact your local ICBC office: www.icbc.com or visit: www.bcliquorstores.com/en/about/socialresponsibility/gethomesafe.
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