Prince George –  Non-profits and charities have a new way to raise money for causes that benefit society, as the provincial government relaxes the rules around auctioning liquor.

The government is allowing privately-donated liquor, such as a vintage bottle of wine or a rare bottle of scotch from an individual's private collection, as well as liquor donated by a business or manufacturer, to be put up for auction – as long as the funds raised go towards a charitable purpose.

Effective today, small volumes of liquor – up to two cases of wine, eight 750ml bottles of liquor, and/or 24 six-packs of beer, cider or coolers – can be auctioned without a permit. For larger volumes of liquor, a $50 permit will be required.