VANCOUVER – Liquor licensing for special events is moving online, beginning with a pilot program in Vancouver and Burnaby, as government continues cutting red tape for British Columbians.

The pilot, which launches on Feb. 2, will test a new online application process designed to increase convenience and speed up approvals for small, low-risk events. During the pilot, applicants hosting events in Vancouver or Burnaby will be able to skip the paper application and can apply for a Special Occasion Licence (SOL) on their computer or mobile device – they will no longer have to visit a BC Liquor Store multiple times, or make trips to police stations and municipal halls.

The online application will also enhance public safety by providing officials with information in real-time about events happening in their communities – as police and liquor inspectors will be able to run searches from their office or mobile devices.

The goal is to have any bugs worked out and the online system fully implemented starting in early April – in time for B.C.’s busy festival season.

Once the website is fully implemented, moving to an online system will save over 100,000 pieces of paper each year – the only paper involved will be the printed, approved licence that needs to be in plain view during events.

B.C.’s government processes up to 25,000 SOLs every year.