B.C. Launches 3-Year Trial Allowing Restaurants to Buy from Private Liquor Stores
The province says the Liquor Distribution Branch will keep its markup and expects no revenue impact as bars and restaurants gain more buying options.
- The government announced a three-year trial allowing licensed Restaurants to purchase Liquor from private Liquor Store locations, giving bars, pubs and Restaurants greater flexibility to meet surges in demand.
- Prior to this, Outlets could only purchase from government-run Liquor stores and eligible producers, a limitation that frustrated the industry when last year's BCGEU strike threatened Liquor supplies.
- Restaurants Canada CEO Kelly Higginson applauded the move, noting that 36 per cent of operators are currently losing money or breaking even and have long advocated for this flexibility.
- The Liquor Distribution Branch will remain the central wholesaler and continue collecting the same markup, allowing Outlets to restock immediately during busy nights or ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup.
- Food Minister Lana Popham stated the trial supports hospitality businesses while protecting public jobs, with the government evaluating this flexibility through the pilot that runs until June 2029.
19 Articles
19 Articles
B.C. changing rules to allow restaurants to restock from private liquor stores - Creston Valley Advance
B.C. is changing liquor distribution rules ahead of the FIFA World Cup to make it easier for restaurants and bars to restock after hours. Outlets will now be able to buy from private liquor stores in addition to provincially-owned ones. This move to allow “licensee-to-licensee” sales will be trialled by the province for the next three years. “This targeted trial will help B.C.’s bars and restaurants respond quickly to customer demand, especially…
B.C. changing rules to allow restaurants to restock from private liquor stores - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
B.C. is changing liquor distribution rules ahead of the FIFA World Cup to make it easier for restaurants and bars to restock after hours. Outlets will now be able to buy from private liquor stores in addition to provincially-owned ones. This move to allow “licensee-to-licensee” sales will be trialled by the province for the next three years. “This targeted trial will help B.C.’s bars and restaurants respond quickly to customer demand, especially…
B.C. changing rules to allow restaurants to restock from private liquor stores - Grand Forks Gazette
B.C. is changing liquor distribution rules ahead of the FIFA World Cup to make it easier for restaurants and bars to restock after hours. Outlets will now be able to buy from private liquor stores in addition to provincially-owned ones. This move to allow “licensee-to-licensee” sales will be trialled by the province for the next three years. “This targeted trial will help B.C.’s bars and restaurants respond quickly to customer demand, especially…
B.C. changing rules to allow restaurants to restock from private liquor stores - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
B.C. is changing liquor distribution rules ahead of the FIFA World Cup to make it easier for restaurants and bars to restock after hours. Outlets will now be able to buy from private liquor stores in addition to provincially-owned ones. This move to allow “licensee-to-licensee” sales will be trialled by the province for the next three years. “This targeted trial will help B.C.’s bars and restaurants respond quickly to customer demand, especially…
B.C. changing rules to allow restaurants to restock from private liquor stores - Northern Sentinel
B.C. is changing liquor distribution rules ahead of the FIFA World Cup to make it easier for restaurants and bars to restock after hours. Outlets will now be able to buy from private liquor stores in addition to provincially-owned ones. This move to allow “licensee-to-licensee” sales will be trialled by the province for the next three years. “This targeted trial will help B.C.’s bars and restaurants respond quickly to customer demand, especially…
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