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Winery, brewery lounge rules relaxed

Wineries with licensed lounges can now sell liquor they don't produce under a change in provincial government liquor policy that came into effect this week, and Northern Lights Estate Winery is giving the possibility serious consideration.

Wineries with licensed lounges can now sell liquor they don't produce under a change in provincial government liquor policy that came into effect this week, and Northern Lights Estate Winery is giving the possibility serious consideration.

Operating partner Doug Bell said the winery plans to add a lounge next year and "we can partner up with like-minded local northern businesses to allow them a place to showcase their products which may not have been previously available."

The change, which came into effect on Tuesday, applies to distilleries, wineries, cideries and breweries who have either a licensed lounge or a special event area.

Among the benefits cited by the government, the change will mean customers throwing a wedding or other event at one of these locations won't have to apply for a separate special occasion licence

"It does reduce some previous red tape which is good and provides some flexibilty and options as to what liquor manufactures can serve in their onsite outlets," said Pacific Western Breweries spokesman Dave Heffelfinger.

There is one catch: sales of other liquor produced off site will be capped at 20 per cent of total sales for a business quarter.