Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Like millions of Canadians, we are frustrated and deeply disappointed that the United States—Canada’s largest trading partner, ally, and neighbour—imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods. This decision will have serious consequences.
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby responded immediately by directing the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to stop buying American liquor from Republican-led “red” states. A few hours later, BCLIQUOR Stores pulled products from the top five selling brands produced in U.S. states governed by Republican leadership—Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jim Beam, Bulleit Bourbon, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Bacardi Rum.
The LDB released this statement to industry.
Here’s what’s happening:
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LDB Wholesale and BCLIQUOR Stores have stopped all sales of Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Bulleit Bourbon, Tito’s Vodka, and Bacardi Rum—except select Bacardi products produced domestically. Here’s the list of products.
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Private liquor retail and hospitality businesses may continue to sell those brands as they see fit, but once current inventory is depleted you will be unable to re-order.
- In addition to those brands, LDB Wholesale will no longer purchase American-made liquor products from “red” states.
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American-made liquor products from red states currently in our liquor system (except those top five brands)—whether at LDB Wholesale or a third-party warehouse—will continue to be available while supplies last. You can find a list of those products here.
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American-made liquor products from “blue” states will not be impacted. For example, you will still be able to buy California wines.
- Products manufactured in Canada by American-owned entities will be unaffected.
We expect some customers will have strong reactions to this ban, and some will be confused. For example, Corona is partly owned by American companies but is brewed in Edmonton, AB—so it will still be available for purchase. We are working to produce signage and other materials to help your customers make informed choices. Please let us know if there’s anything specific you need.
We are also arranging a Virtual Town Hall Industry Meeting this coming Wednesday (Feb. 5) at 10 a.m. to help answer your questions. I’ll send full details tomorrow, but please mark your calendars now. If you have specific questions before then, email me directly at jeff@ablebc.ca.
This is a challenging and uncertain moment. It may be difficult to know what’s best for your business, your workers, and your customers. Rest assured ABLE BC is here to support you—any way we can, for as long as it takes.
Together, we are #TeamCanada.
-Jeff Guignard
Executive Director
