Business of the Liquor Distribution Branch

The Liquor Distribution Branch operates a province-wide, retail/wholesale beverage alcohol business, within a mixed public-private model.

As part of BC’s mixed model retail system, the LDB is committed to providing customers with an enhanced shopping environment, increased product selection and a high level of service.

The LDB purchases beverage alcohol from more than 400 suppliers and manufacturers within the province, across the country and around the world. Licensed manufacturers in BC include 207 wineries, 31 breweries, 23 brew pubs, and 15 distilleries.

BC’s beverage alcohol retail model includes:

• GLSs (government-owned and -operated stores selling beverage alcohol to retail and wholesale customers);
• licensee retail stores (LRSs – private stores licensed to sell all beverage alcohol products);
• rural agency stores (RASs – general merchandise stores in rural communities authorized to sell all beverage alcohol products);
• on-site manufacturer stores (stores at wineries, breweries and distilleries that sell the products that they manufacture);
• off-site manufacturer stores (stores operated by the BC wine industry that sell BC winery products);
• private wine stores; and
• duty-free stores.

The wholesale beverage alcohol distribution model in BC includes the two government distribution centres, government liquor stores and a number of manufacturers and private distributors that are authorized to distribute beverage alcohol as agents of the LDB.

Our Customers and Stakeholders

The LDB is one of the largest retailers in BC, with 37.4 million retail customer visits to BC Liquor Stores during fiscal 2009/10. We also processed 407,000 wholesale customer transactions. The LDB sources a wide selection of domestic and international beverage alcohol products for our retail and wholesale customers.

To serve the interests of our customers and stakeholders, we:

• deliver quality products and services;
• provide products and services to a variety of beverage alcohol retail outlets throughout British Columbia;
• manage the importation, warehousing and distribution of beverage alcohol;
• promote the safe and responsible use of beverage alcohol; and
• implement policies to ensure LDB workplaces are safe and free of harassment or discrimination.

To fulfill our responsibilities to the government and people of British Columbia, we:

• generate revenue to the government of British Columbia;
• manage the LDB’s business risks;
• ensure accountability of key business partners; and
• develop and implement programs and services aimed at deterring the sale of beverage alcohol to minors, those who appear intoxicated, or those who are believed to be buying for either of these parties.