Indian restaurant in Canada to face liquor licence suspension for serving alcohol to minor

An Indian restaurant in Canada’s British Columbia has been ordered to suspend its liquor licence for 10 days after serving alcohol to a minor, according to the provincial regulator, as reported by CBC News. The action comes amid a broader enforcement drive in the region, with another restaurant also penalised within the same week for violating liquor rules.

Licence suspension after violation

Taaz Indian Restaurant in Kelowna admitted to breaching liquor laws after a “minor agent” was served alcohol without age verification. The incident dates back to November 2025, when the underage individual was given a Corona beer without being asked for identification.

A minor agent is a person under 19, working under the supervision of inspectors, to test compliance with liquor regulations, CBS News reported. Following the violation, the restaurant’s liquor licence will be suspended for 10 days starting April 8, after the close of service.

Regulator steps up enforcement

The penalty was issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, which oversees compliance with alcohol laws across British Columbia. According to CBC News, authorities said the case highlights the importance of strict ID checks and adherence to legal drinking age rules.

In a separate action within the same week, The House of the Caribbean Food Supply Shop in Kelowna was fined $11,000 for allowing alcohol to be taken off its premises, which is not permitted under provincial rules unless specifically authorised.

Inspectors reported that a customer was seen leaving the establishment with an alcoholic beverage. Despite being alerted, the operator did not take steps to correct the violation. The regulator also noted repeated breaches of similar rules by the same establishment over the past two years.

Compliance key for licence holders

The regulator said liquor licences are a privilege and businesses must follow all conditions attached to them. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, suspensions, or further enforcement action.

The developments underline tighter monitoring of liquor service practices in the province, especially around underage access and adherence to service area rules.