The 琉璃神社 Curling Club (KCC) has been found not liable for serving alcohol to a minor during the 2025 Montana鈥檚 Brier curling tournament
A June 25 decision by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), found that the establishment had taken reasonable steps to prevent such a contravention and had demonstrated a culture of compliance. The decision stems from a March 5 incident in which a server supplied alcohol to a member of the Minor Agent Program (MAP).
Under the program, minors are employed by the LCRB and are allowed to purchase liquor or cannabis during MAP inspections from licensed private retail stores, government-operated retail stores, and other licensed establishments to help inspectors monitor that licensees are checking ID.
The KCC admitted the contravention occurred but argued it had exercised due diligence, a defence available under a section of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act. The server involved was suspended without pay for two weeks.
The LCRB also agreed the contravention occurred but found the server was not a 鈥渄irecting mind鈥� of the licensee 鈥� meaning the club could claim the due diligence defence. Under the defence, a licensee must show it had implemented effective training, policies, and oversight to prevent sales to minors.
Evidence presented included:
- A staff guideline manual and annual training with sign-offs through the club鈥檚 payroll system;
- Pre-shift communications and a February 20 internal post reminding staff to check ID during the busy Brier tournament;
- The use of security staff and wristbands to identify patrons of legal age;
- Signage inside the premises reminding patrons and staff of ID requirements;
- A logbook and references to incident tracking protocols.
While the decision noted the KCC's policies could be improved 鈥� suggesting more frequent staff meetings, quizzes, and point-of-sale ID prompts 鈥� it found the business had shown reasonable care in preventing the offence, and that it was an isolated staff oversight.
鈥淭he licensee has demonstrated an atmosphere of strict compliance鈥his incident was inconsistent with these practices,鈥� the decision stated.
The penalty for a first-time offence of this kind ranges from a 7 to 11-day licence suspension and/or a fine between $7,000 and $11,000.
