Coquitlam residents are being asked to weigh in on regulatory changes that could see the city jump on the increasingly popular craft brewery, distilleriy and winery bandwagon.
Currently, regulations permit the production of alcohol in industrial areas but prohibit the retail sale for on-site or off-site consumption. City staff have put forward changes that would permit certain commercial zones to include liquor manufacturing and sale of product, a formula that has gained popularity in municipalities across the Lower Mainland.
A press release from Coquitlam stated that the review of city regulations is in response to changes at the provincial level, which recently revamped their rules and began allowing the sale of alcohol in grocery stores under certain conditions.
Coquitlam is not the first municipality in the Tri-Cities to open the door to craft breweries. Port Moody has seen two open up in the last year, including Yellow Dog Brewing and Moody Ales, which are located within a block of each other. A third one, Twin Sails Brewing, held its grand opening this week.
Coquitlam city staff have been meeting with industry stakeholders and residents and are expected to come come back to council with their findings before the end of the year.
The deadline to provide input on the new liquor policies and regulations is October 30. For more information and a feedback form go to www.coquitlam.ca/liquorreview.
@gmckennaTC
