Farris lawyer, Megan O’Neill, recently presented at the Association Internationale des Juristes du Droit de la Vigne et du Vin (AIDV) Canadian Wine Law Conference on the topic ‘Cross Country Regulatory Review in British Columbia’, focusing on significant policy changes in the liquor industry. Key updates include the end of the Temporary Expanded Service Area and new outdoor sampling policies starting in 2025, such as licensed outdoor sampling areas and revised LCRB regulations. Changes involve picnic and patio tasting areas, new guided tour guidelines, and updated on-site store liquor sales rules, balancing flexibility with compliance for BC’s winemakers, brewers, and distillers. For the full presentation, click here.

Megan is a solicitor in the corporate commercial group. She practices in a wide range of areas and specializes in the liquor and hospitality industries.  She has successfully closed over 25 winery and vineyard sales throughout BC over the last five years. She regularly helps her clients in the hospitality and alcoholic beverage sectors achieve their business objectives through the resolution of complex regulatory issues and agricultural land issues.