Barbershops, book stores and art galleries in B.C. will now be able to serve alcoholic drinks as new liquor laws went into effect Monday.

Starting today, all types of businesses will be eligible to apply for a liquor licence provided they do not operate from a motor vehicle.

Hotels and resorts that have a bar on the property will be able to offer guests a free alcoholic beverage upon check-in. Guests will also be permitted to take the drink to their room.

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.

Theatre guests will be authorized to drink alcoholic beverages in both the lobby and licenced seating areas when minors are with them, similar to arenas and stadiums.

The changes are part of B.C.’s effort to modernize outdated liquor laws.

"This will enhance the experience for customers," said John Yap, parliamentary secretary for Liquor Policy Review. "This is what we heard from British Columbians during the liquor review, more convenience and common sense changes to reflect modern British Columbia."

The province’s Liquor Policy Review made 73 recommendations to give consumers more choice, 48 of which have already been implemented. 

To read more about the changes click here.