A review aimed at modernizing P.E.I.’s Liquor Control Act and reducing red tape will not be complete until sometime next year, says the province’s finance minister.
Allen Roach provided an update on the ongoing review to MLAs during Wednesday’s sitting of legislature.
Roach said he hopes the process will be complete within the next six to nine months.
“This act hasn’t really been looked at thoroughly in a long time,” said Roach, who previously noted the act hadn’t seen a comprehensive review since the early 1970s. “The process is ongoing now, I hope probably within the next six to nine months we’ll have it completed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to have their say.”
The province announced last spring that the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission would be reviewing the Liquor Control Act and regulations after concerns were raised over how licenses were issued.
Wednesday’s update was prompted by Summerside-Wilmot MLA Chris Palmer.
Palmer had asked Roach when the province would see a modernized act while also noting barbershops are still unable to serve liquor while spas are allowed.
“The Humble Barber has requested to responsibly serve alcohol to customers in his business, similar to how a spa would today,” said Palmer.
Related: Humble Barber shops in Summerside will have to stay dry for now
During a previous interview with The Guardian, Humble Barber owner Sean Aylward said his applications to serve liquor were denied by the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission.
Aylward said he offers customers a hot shave, which he considered a therapeutic service. Providing a therapeutic service is a requirement for a spa to serve alcohol.
Roach said the commission has contacted a number of different organizations for the review.
He also said Restaurants Canada recently graded the issuance of licenses across Canada and awarded P.E.I. a “B” rating.
“The second highest in the country with respect to the way our Liquor Control Commissions are run,” he said. “They’ve also commented on the fact and recognized we’re looking at legislation to reduce red tape.”
