British Columbia

Loblaws has been fined $7,000 by the British Columbia Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) after an employee at a Real Canadian Superstore in Surrey, B.C., sold liquor to a minor.

The fine was ordered earlier this month following a hearing that found the store's "training of its employees who sell liquor products and the systems to prevent sales to minors to be inadequate."

Along with the fine, a sign explaining the monetary penalty must also be placed in a prominent location in the store, according to the decision.

On Sept. 14, 2023, two LCRB inspectors arrived at the South Surrey Superstore to test whether liquor laws were being properly followed.

The LCRB hired a 16-year-old — known as a minor agent — who was tasked with purchasing alcohol while inspectors watched.