Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Allies,
As you know, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) job action has resulted in the closure of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) distribution centres. The LDB has advised us that they are aware of the significant supply challenges this creates - including for smaller hospitality businesses that do not have the capacity to make large-scale purchases.
To help ensure fair access to product during this disruption, the LDB has introduced temporary quantity limits on all products available through BCLIQUOR (BCL) stores - with the exception of beer (import and domestic) and Bordeaux wines.
The LDB has shared the following update with us:
"Please be advised that, effective immediately and until further notice, quantity limits will be placed on all products, excluding all beer products (import and domestic) and Bordeaux wines, available via BCL stores until the LDB’s distribution centres resume normal operations.
Hospitality customers and retail customers will be limited to three items per SKU, per day. This includes refreshment beverage products that come in 4-packs, 6-packs and other formats.
This was not a decision we made lightly. Our partnerships are very important to us, and we are committed to delivering our services to our customers and industry partners.
The implementation of modest quantity limits is intended to prolong the availability of liquor products for hospitality and retail customers while the LDB’s distribution centres continue to be impacted by job action. This measure will support equal access to product to ensure service for as many customers as possible.
We acknowledge the impact this activity will have on your members, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
We commit to providing updates to industry on potential impacts as they become known. Important notices will be posted on the LDB Wholesale Operations website.
Once again, we apologize for this inconvenience and hope to resume these services as soon as possible."
We recognize the strain this situation places on your businesses and will continue to advocate strongly on your behalf. ABLE BC is in ongoing contact with government and the LDB, and we will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
For questions or concerns, please reach out directly to Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca)
