NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2002CSE0054-000575 July 24, 2002		Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise
LIQUOR BRANCH REFORMS WILL IMPROVE SERVICES

VICTORIA – Cabinet has approved a long-term strategy to increase private-sector involvement in retailing, distribution and warehousing liquor in British Columbia and shift the focus of the Liquor Distribution Branch to public safety and revenue collection.

                                                                                                                               

            “Our government is committed to providing the services British Columbians need as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Rick Thorpe, Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise. “The government brings no special talents or purpose to retailing, warehousing or distributing alcohol. Increasing opportunities for private-sector involvement will result in improved services, consumer choice and access, and better use of LDB resources.”

 

            The strategic shifts approved in today’s open cabinet meeting include:

·        Proceeding with an orderly approach to increasing private-sector investment and involvement in the beverage alcohol industry over time.

·        Shifting the Liquor Distribution Branch’s role from managing retail, warehousing and distribution operations to regulating them.

·        Reducing the regulatory burden imposed by the Liquor Distribution Branch and focusing regulations on protecting public safety and revenue collection.

 

Initially, private-sector involvement will increase through expanding the rural agency store program and lifting the moratorium on new cold beer and wine stores, changes announced in March.

 

“Increasing private-sector involvement in the industry will better meet the needs of consumers and create new economic opportunities for business,” Thorpe said. “Before any changes to the number of government liquor stores are made, we will conduct a community-by-community analysis. We will take the time to make sure every community with a government liquor store has the retail services and choices it needs.”

 

There are 224 government-owned and -operated liquor stores and two government-owned warehouses in B.C.Thorpe noted the private sector is already active in the sale, distribution and warehousing of alcohol throughout the province. Currently, the private sector operates eight warehouses; 151 rural agency stores; 290 cold beer and wine stores; and 98 manufacturer stores, wineries, breweries and private wine agency stores.

 

The Liquor Distribution Branch will continue to serve as the provincial wholesaler of record, collect revenues, and audit and regulate manufacturers, distributors and retailers with a stronger focus on protecting public health and safety.

 

            “Selling alcohol is not a vital public service, but the government will continue to play an important role in enforcing regulations to protect public safety and in collecting revenue,” said Thorpe.

 

            More information on the changes approved for the Liquor Distribution Branch can be found at www.gov.bc.ca/prem/popt/cabinet on the Internet.

 

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Contact:

Gayle Downey Communications Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise 250 952-0152

Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services.