In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1984. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: The sale of beer and wine in British Columbia is governed by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, which has been responsible for the distribution of all alcohol products in BC since it was established in 1921 (today it also governs the distribution of cannabis). In 1984, the only places that could sell beer and wine were restaurants and bars with the appropriate licence and government liquor stores (private liquor stores were not allowed until 1988). Though there was discussion about allowing beer and wine to be sold in grocery stores in the 1980s, it was not until 2015 that the BC Liquor Policy Review recommended allowing such sales (in a specific model and with the proper licence).
Question: What do you think of beer and wine sales in grocery stores?
Erica Young – Travel Agent – Alpine Meadows
I agree that it should. It would be convenient for everybody, and I don’t think it should affect bar sales. It wouldn’t affect how much people drink – you don’t see any drunks around the village this afternoon (while the government liquor store is open). It would be great.
Marianne Hall – Hotel Employee – Alta Vista
It’s an excellent idea. I think for tourist areas it should be allowed. Everybody is up here for a good time; having it at the grocery store makes it “one-stop shopping”. And I don’t think it would affect how much people drink – the bars are open Sunday, what’s the difference? This is a tourist area – why not cater to the tourists who come here?
Bill Burn – Chemist – Burnaby
Could be okay. It’s hard to say; most people are pretty responsible but there would be some abuses. I don’t really have any strong feelings about it. From the tourist’s point of view I think the greater availability would be good.