BYOB in B.C.: Diners now allowed to bring their own wine to restaurants

LANGLEY, B.C. – People heading out to eat in B.C. can now take along their own wine to certain restaurants.

Rich Coleman, the minister in charge of alcohol, says diners may have to pay a charge to have the wine served, and the option to bring you own bottle will only be available in restaurants that join the Bring Your Own Wine program.

But he says the change will allow people to pair their favourite wine with their favourite restaurant.

Some other provinces and countries already allow people to bring their own wine into restaurants, with diners often having to pay what’s called a corkage fee to have the wine served.

B.C. Restaurant and Food Service Association President Ian Tostenson says the new rules will give restaurants more flexibility and boost business.

Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association vice-president Mark von Schellwitz says restaurant operators, especially those with limited wine lists, will welcome the option of allowing their guests to bring their own wine.