Government to commission review of liquor distribution system

The Voice of Canada News:

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.

The review is being conducted as a result of a recommendation by liquor policy advisor Mark Hicken’s report to government, which includes recommendations to improve business interactions between the Province and B.C.’s liquor industry.

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.

Each year, the LDB fills more than 335,000 wholesale orders from nearly 10,000 customers throughout the province. The LDB is also one of the largest retailers in B.C. with more than 40 million retail customer visits to BC Liquor Stores annually.