Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas, Rich Coleman, announced today that Mr. Blain Lawson has been hired as the new general manager for the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch. Lawson will begin work today.

Lawson has an extensive background as a retail executive. He is the former president and chief executive officer for Coast Wholesale Appliances where he was successful at moving the organization forward through challenging economic times. He brings over 20 years of senior retail experience and a reputation for delivering bottom line results.

The Province also recognizes the contributions and hard work of Roger Bissoondatt, who served as acting general manager from July 2012, and would like to thank him for his dedication in this role. Bissoondatt stepped up and provided steady leadership for the Liquor Distribution Branch during this period of transition.

Quick facts:

• In British Columbia, the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has the sole authority to purchase beverage alcohol, both domestically and internationally, sourcing product from more than 400 suppliers and manufacturers within the province, across the country and around the world.
• The LDB operates a provincewide retail and distribution business for alcohol. As one of the province's largest retailers, with sales of over $2.8 billion, the LDB realized a net income of $911 million that flowed back to government in the 2011 - 2012 fiscal year.
• B.C.'s beverage alcohol marketplace includes both private and public retailers including 195 government liquor stores, 670 private retail liquor stores, 222 rural agency stores, 277 on-site manufacturer stores, 35 off-site manufacturer stores, 21 VQA wine stores, 12 independent wine stores and 11 duty-free stores.

Media contact:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617