B.C.’s liquor laws once prevented hotels from offering guests a complimentary cocktail at check-in – but not anymore, says the provincial government.

Hotels and resorts in the province will soon be able to offer free beverages and will allow guests to bring unfinished alcohol from bars, pubs and restaurants on site back to their rooms, B.C. announced Wednesday.

The province’s small business ministry, which oversees the liquor distribution branch, says the changes are being introduced to give hotels and resorts more flexibility, and to offer guests a more convenient option for imbibing.

The changes come into effect Jan. 23, 2017.

Previously, guests could only drink alcohol in licensed areas at hotels and weren’t allowed to bring drinks back to their rooms.

The changes come as B.C. continues to overhaul what have been described as archaic liquor laws through its Liquor Policy Review.

Under the review, hotels with restaurants and bars have also been permitted to serve guests liquor through room service 24 hours a day as long as food is also available.

The province said it worked with stakeholders including the BC Hotel Association and Alliance of Beverage Licensees to come up with the new rules.

All hotels are required to regulate alcohol in a “safe and socially responsible manner,” and employees must have their Serving It Right certificate.

Licensed establishments are also required to display educational materials on responsible consumption.