Frequently Asked Questions about BYOW

Why are these new policies beneficial?

The BYOW policy gives restaurants and their patrons a new choice. Under the new policy, people will be able to bring a favourite bottle of wine to a participating restaurant to enhance their dining experience.

Recorking encourages responsible liquor consumption. Rather than trying to finish a bottle of wine before they leave, consumers may now have the bottle recorked to enjoy at a later date.

By providing commercial catering companies with a liquor licence option, these companies may provide a more complete service to their customers. Companies must have a valid business licence, permanent kitchen facilities, meet all public health standards and comply with Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission policy on the sale and service of liquor. Consumers will not be obligated by the caterer to use their liquor services.

Is the BYOW policy mandatory for licensed establishments?

No. These amendments to the Gaming and Liquor Regulations make this an option available to Class A (minors allowed restaurants) Class B and Class C licensees.The purpose of the policy is to expand the choices of both the customer and the establishment. A restaurant or club may, if they choose, have a wine list and offer BYOW.

How does the BYOW policy work?

When a customer arrives in a restaurant or club, they would indicate to the staff they have their own wine and would turn it over to the staff for serving. The wine would then be served in the same manner as wine selected from the menu. Restaurants or clubs that choose this option will be allowed to determine and charge a ‘corkage fee’ for this service.

How will I know if a restaurant will let me bring in my own bottle of wine?

Customers can check the Liquor licensee List, or can call ahead to find out if a particular restaurant offers this service.

Does a licensed premise have to change their liquor licence in any way if they want to offer BYOW?

Yes. Licensees must call the AGLC to obtain an endorsement to their licence. This is done at no cost to the licensee.

Is wine the only beverage permitted under BYOW policy?

Only commercially-manufactured wine will be permitted to be brought into licensed premises by customers. Bottles must be fully corked and sealed by the manufacturer. No homemade wine will be permitted.

What establishments are eligible to allow BYOW? Recorking?

Class A (minors allowed restaurants) B and C licensees will be permitted to allow customers to bring their own wine into the premises. The BYOB policy is intended for food service establishments in order to enhance the dining experience. Classes A, B and C will now be required to recork a partially consumed bottle of wine for the customer to take home upon request.

Will recorking affect motorist safety?

No. Without the pressure of having to finish a bottle of wine, people will not feel obligated to drink more than they should. Existing regulations governing the transportation of liquor in a vehicle still apply. The recorked bottle cannot be within easy access to occupants of the vehicle.

What is the procedure for recorking a partially consumed bottle?

The bottle must be recorked by restaurant staff so that the cork is flush with the top of the bottle. The bottle must also be bagged before leaving the establishment.

What happens if an intoxicated person brings his or her own bottle of wine into a restaurant?

Under the Gaming and Liquor Act, it is illegal to sell or provide liquor to an intoxicated patron. The establishment would refuse to open the bottle of wine for the customer.

What happens if a minor brings their own bottle into an establishment?

Licensees have always had the responsibility under AGLC policy to telephone the police if minors are in possession of liquor or attempt to purchase or consume liquor at their establishment. This responsibility remains unchanged.

What are the responsibilities of the licensee in cases where people bring their own wine?

Responsible liquor service remains paramount. Licensees are still expected to comply with existing Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission regulations. This includes not serving to minors or over serving.

Do any other jurisdictions offer this service?

Quebec allows restaurants that do not have a standard liquor licence to apply for a permit to allow patrons to bring wine and beer into their restaurants for consumption with meals. New Brunswick issues restaurants that do not have a standard liquor licence, and Bed and Breakfast operations, a “Wine Serving licence” to allow patrons to bring their own bottle of wine into the restaurant or Bed and Breakfast for consumption. Australia and New Zealand both have BYOB policies in effect. Alberta is the first province to allow food establishments to have both BYOW and a liquor licence.

British Columbia is the only other province that allows patrons who do not consume a full bottle of wine to take home a partially consumed bottle of wine from a licensed premise after it has been corked by the licensee.