BC Liquor Distribution Branch

In British Columbia, there are two branches of government that have responsibility for the liquor industry: the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) and the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Both of these branches currently report to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The LCLB issues licences for making and selling liquor and supervises the service of liquor in licensed establishments. To learn more about the LCLB, visit their Web site at http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb.

The LDB, under the authority of the Liquor Distribution Act, has the sole right to purchase beverage alcohol, both in and out of British Columbia, in accordance with the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (Canada). The LDB is responsible for the importation, distribution and retailing of beverage alcohol in British Columbia.

The LDB with over 3,500 employees operates approximately 200 government liquor stores throughout the province; two distribution centres, one in Vancouver and one in Kamloops; and a head office facility in Vancouver.

The LDB also authorizes the sale of liquor in rural communities by Rural Agency Stores.

The LDB was named one of BC's Top 50 Employers by for 2009 by Mediacorp Canada Inc.