LCLB REPORT
by Anthony Gismondi

Compliance and Enforcement – A Snapshot
LCLB’s bottom line is public safety as reflected in three of our public safety priorities: preventing overcrowding, service to minors, and intoxication. The Compliance and Enforcement Division works in partnership with police agencies and local government agencies to monitor compliance, targeting resources on high-risk licensees. 
To this end the Compliance and Enforcement Program has the following five goals:
1. Voluntary compliance
2. Focus enforcement on public safety issues
3. Speedy application of consequences for non-compliance
4. Effective penalties consistently applied
5. Fair and equitable decision-making
Inspectors focus on high-risk areas and problem establishments. If a liquor inspector finds that a licensee is contravening the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, its regulations or the terms and conditions of a licence, the inspector must issue a contravention notice and may recommend enforcement action to their regional manager against the licensee. Incidentally, inspectors recommend action following a contravention notice less than 10% of the time.

Compliance is high. For example, from April to June 2007 there were 3,020 inspections of all licensee types, of which there were 254 contraventions (many were multiple contraventions at the same location). Of these contraventions, the three biggest concerns broke down as follows: 44 over service of liquor, 17 overcrowding, and 17 instances of various contraventions involving minors. This highlights the fact that the vast majority of licensees comply, which is good. 

Of those contravention notices that go to a waiver or hearing, we have successfully and significantly decreased the average amount of time that elapses between a licensee being issued a contravention notice and the date when the penalty is served. The average number of days has decreased by about a third from previous years. 
As stated in licensees’ terms and conditions guides, liquor inspectors are a good resource that can provide licensees with help and advice. It is a good idea to get to know your local liquor inspector. 

Updated Guides Available
All Guides for Liquor Licensees in BC have been updated in June. If you would like us to mail you a copy of the most recent version, please email lclb.lclb@gov.bc.ca or call 1-866-209-2111. You can also download a PDF at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/branch/index.htm. Click on “Publications and Legislation”.

BC Hospitality Industry Conference & Exposition
LCLB will once again be participating in this exposition, November 19-20, noon - 6 pm at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. We will be at booth 814, so please drop by to find out about our growing online services and more. We’d like to see you.