Dear Members,
We are pleased to share that the BC government has announced that in the new year they will be conducting an independent review of the Liquor Distribution Branch.
“Government will commission an independent review of wholesale liquor distribution in the province to address industry concerns and ensure recent system changes are meeting the needs of wholesale customers.” Read the full government announcement.
The review is in direct response to the alcohol beverage industry’s concerns and complaints about inconsistent levels of service we all receive from the LDB. We’re very happy that government has listened and is taking positive steps to review the issues through an independent review.
This review is also being conducted as a result of a recommendation in the Business Technical Advisory Panel report which includes recommendations to improve business interactions between the Province and B.C.’s liquor industry. As you may recall, our Executive Director Ken Beattie sat on BTAP, which was chaired by liquor policy advisor Mark Hicken and comprised of industry association stakeholders.
The Panel considered a significant number of issues related to manufacturing and retail licensing and policy. Most of these stakeholder groups expressed the view that the economic viability of their industries was dependent upon the introduction of a fairer approach and that immediate and urgent attention was required by government to address these issues.
The panel offered 24 recommendations that, if implemented, will have a lasting positive impact on BC’s private liquor industry. Notably, government’s review in the new year will also be exploring the feasibility of implementing other recommendations from the BTAP report.
“Government will engage an outside consultant to conduct the review, which will begin in the new year, once the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has substantially transitioned to the new Delta distribution centre. The review will examine current practices, seek input from wholesale customers and recommend any improvements to services that are needed.”
Other details aren’t clear yet, including timelines, terms of reference, who will be conducting the review, and how industry will be involved. We’ll update you when further information has been released.
Ken Beattie
Executive Director, BC Craft Brewers Guild