BC Ferries is adding beer and wine to the Pacific Buffet menu on a trial basis, starting in late October.

“Many of our customers have said they would like to have a glass of wine or beer with their meal while sailing with us,” said Melanie Lucia, Executive Director of Catering and Terminal Operations, on Monday. “We look for ways to enhance the customer experience and are pleased to now offer these beverages in the Pacific Buffet.”

The Pacific Buffet is a unique dining experience on three vessels servicing the Vancouver – Victoria (Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay) route: The Spirit of Vancouver Island, the Spirit of British Columbia and the Coastal Celebration.

Alcoholic beverages offered in the buffet area must be purchased with a meal, and are limited to one drink per customer, 19 years of age or older. Like other restaurants in British Columbia, people under the age of 19 will be welcome in the Pacific Buffet, but will not be able to order an alcoholic beverage.

BC Ferries already offers beer and wine for sale on northern routes sailing to and from Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii and Central Coast ports it serves. This is the first time beer and wine will be offered on select sailings linking Vancouver and Victoria. The trial will continue for one year and provides the opportunity for BC Ferries to review customer and employee feedback, as well as revenue numbers to evaluate the pilot and determine its success.

This trial does not change BC Ferries’ zero tolerance policy for impaired driving. For more information, visit bcferries.com.