Right now, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) strike has shut down all orders, deliveries, and payments for importers, restaurants, and retailers.

But the deeper issue is this: the LDB’s monopoly means all products, even those stored in private warehouses like ContainerWorld, must go through their system. This lack of flexibility is strangling small businesses and leaving restaurants and consumers without options.

We call on the BC Government to act immediately and implement two simple, fair changes:

• Allow DSD (Direct Store Distribution) for import products held in third-party warehouses (as is already allowed for domestic producers).
• Allow restaurants to purchase from private retailers (LRS licensees), ensuring the hospitality sector isn’t left stranded during strikes or system shutdowns.

These changes won’t eliminate the LDB’s wholesale markup, the government will still collect revenue, but they will reduce bottlenecks, protect small businesses, and ensure stability in BC’s liquor system.

Sign now to demand flexibility, fairness, and real solutions.