B.C.’s minimum drink prices updated, pitcher now $12

NEWS — The provincial government has updated B.C.’s minimum drink prices.

When the government introduced happy hours and minimum pricing in June, it said it would consider revisiting prices.

Creating a new category for draught beer and cider servings 50 oz. and over — with a minimum price of $0.20 per oz. — better reflects not only the prices patrons expect to pay, but also the way draught beer is currently priced throughout the province, Attorney General Suzanne Anton said today (Friday).

That sets B.C.’s minimum price for a standard pitcher (60 oz.) of beer or cider at $12.

With the reduction in the price of pitchers of draught beer, B.C. also reverts back to a $3 per-ounce price for spirits, as originally announced.

“Creating a new category for draught beer in servings over 50 oz. is a fair balance for consumers that still takes into account the views of business owners and health and safety advocates,” said Anton.

Pubs and restaurants generally serve draught beer and cider in sizes 9 oz., 16 oz. or 20 oz. glasses, or by the pitcher (about 60 oz.).