CRFA Pushes for Simpler Alcohol Permit System in Quebec

QUEBEC — Following recommendations from the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA), the Régie des alcools, des jeux et des courses du Québec (RAJCQ), the governing body on permits, is proposing to streamline the alcohol permit process in Quebec by reducing the number of permits in the province’s restaurants.

An ongoing issue, Quebec licensees have grappled with outdated legislation that requires an average of four to six alcohol permits for their restaurants, including one per room and additional permits for patios and VLT machines. The CRFA presented new recommendations to Clément Gignac, previous Minister of Economic Development in May.

The RAJCQ, in line with CRFA recommendations, is requesting a two-permit system — one to sell alcohol, and one to serve alcohol (when customers bring in their own alcohol). Other considerations include removing the permit-per-room rule, introducing a serving permit to accept beer, wine, and other alcohol, allowing servers to re-cork unfinished bottles, extending the time adults with children can drink alcohol on patios from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and training employees that serve alcohol.

The RAJCQ will present these recommendations to the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Sam Hamad, later this month.

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