B.C. Ferries to expand alcohol sales on major routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island

B.C. Ferries says it plans to expand the sales of alcoholic beverages onthree major routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island in the months ahead.

The corporation saidit has received approval in principle of its licence application and sales of B.C. wine, craft beer, ciders and other alcoholic beverages are expected at select Coastal Cafeson routes between Vancouver and Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo and West Vancouver and Nanaimo.

Sales will be limited to two beverages per adult and restricted to those purchasing meals.

B.C. Ferries says it expects to begin offering alcoholic beverages by the end of summerand willupdate the public when details are finalized.

The movecomes after B.C. Ferries launched a pilot in 2019 that allowed for the purchase ofbeer and winewith a mealinside the Pacific Buffet on certainvessels connectingVancouver and Victoria.

At the time the pilot was launched, the union responsible for representing marine and ferry workers said it wasn't properly consulted about the sale ofbeer and wine on certain sailings. Others questioned whether it would createthe potential for increased impaired driving.

On Monday, B.C. Ferries said the pilot was a success with "no issues."