Union Raises Concerns Over Direct Delivery Changes for BC Liquor Licensees

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) decision to allow manufacturers to deliver ready-to-drink (RTD) packaged refreshment beverages directly to BC liquor licensees has been strongly criticized by the BCGEU.

The policy, which was announced in March and came into effect on May 7, expands direct delivery options for qualified BC liquor manufacturers. According to the LDB, the policy is intended to support BC manufacturers by streamlining product distribution while giving liquor retailers and other BC liquor license holders more purchasing flexibility.

The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents LDB workers, strongly criticized the decision, calling it a “betrayal of a written commitment to consult the union before making changes to liquor distribution policy”, adding that the move away from the public system of distribution may put 490 LDB and BC Liquor Store jobs at risk.

Highlights of the LDB Direct DeliveryPolicy Change

• Applies to eligible B.C. manufacturers authorized to produce refreshment beverages and cider, including breweries, commercial distilleries, commercial wineries, and land-based wineries.
• Manufacturers may choose to continue distributing RTDs via the LDB.
• Each RTD SKU may be distributed through one channel only (direct delivery or LDB)
• All import refreshment beverages, wine and spirits will continue to be distributed by the LDB
• LDB does not foresee significant labour impacts on its distribution centres

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