B.Y.O.W Says P.E.I Minister For Liquor, Darlene Compton

New legislation allows patrons to bring their own commercially manufactured wine to restaurants

The COVID pandemic has brought forth many changes in the service industry and none more so than that for restaurants. This is an industry that has seen many doors closed coupled with mass layoffs. Governments from around the country are making policies to adapt to the changing environment caused by COVID-19.

Today’s announcement by the PEI government to allow patrons to bring their own manufactured wine to restaurants is a shift that will only benefit restaurant owners. The pandemic has brought on increased food prices which restaurants are forced to pass on to their customers. And the added incentive for patrons to open up their wallets is worth the change in policies.

Changes made in the 2021 fall session of the Legislative Assembly come into effect December 18, 2021, and include:

• the ability for patrons to bring their own commercially manufactured wine into a licensed dining room and leave the establishment with a recorked bottle;
• permission for general retail stores to sell low percentage alcohol to a maximum of 0.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV); and
• the elimination of domestic personal importation limits for anyone coming to the Island if the product is safely stowed in their luggage or vehicle.

Many of these changes are consistent with current liquor laws across Canada, and will certainly support our local liquor stores, microbreweries, wineries, distilleries, and restaurant establishments in staying competitive with other jurisdictions. “These updates help modernize the Act, while ensuring measures for social responsibility remain in place across the Island. – Finance Minister and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Control Commission Darlene Compton

These changes come as a result of recommendations from various reports including most recently the Premier’s Council for Recovery and Growth that found modernizing the Liquor Control Act would help local enterprises be more competitive.