Summary

• Under a three-year trial, licensed establishments in B.C. (restaurants, bars, pubs) can buy alcohol from BCLIQUOR and private liquor stores, giving them more options for sourcing specialty products and to restock during periods of increased demand, like the FIFA World Cup 2026
• For example, this change allows a bar that runs out of a product during a busy night to restock from the closest open liquor store
• The trial is not expected to affect public revenue or permanent jobs and will be assessed prior to any permanent policy changes

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As British Columbia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, government is launching a three-year trial to give bars, pubs and restaurants more flexibility to meet surges in demand and deliver the best possible customer experience.

Through the trial, licensed establishments will be able to buy alcohol directly from private and public liquor stores, providing the hospitality sector with greater flexibility, especially in situations where there is an immediate need to restock or source a specialty product.

“This targeted trial will help B.C.’s bars and restaurants respond quickly to customer demand, especially during major special events, supporting exceptional experiences for locals and tourists alike,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We’re finding ways to support hospitality businesses, while protecting the good jobs and public revenue from B.C.’s public retail and distribution system.”

BC Liquor Distribution Branch role unchanged

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) remains the central wholesaler and collects the same markup, whether hospitality customers buy from a BCLQUOR store or private retailer. No government revenue impacts are expected as the LDB and BCLIQUOR stores will continue to sell product to private retailers at wholesale price.

BCLIQUOR stores will also maintain their existing service to hospitality licensees where restaurants, bars and pubs can submit orders for stocked and specialty products, or shop directly off the shelves.

This trial is not expected to impact public revenues or permanent jobs. Any revenue or labour impacts as a result of a change in hospitality-purchasing behaviour will be monitored during the trial period. Findings will be shared with labour and industry partners and will inform any future decisions about making changes permanent.

Quick Facts:

• The trial runs until June 2029.
• Liquor sold through the trial must not be sold below the wholesale purchase price established by the LDB.

Learn More:

• Read the policy bulletin for more information about the new trial: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/liquor-regulation-licensing/about-lcrb/bulletins
• See the order in council: 
  https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/oic/oic_cur/0209_2026 
• Read more about the hospitality sector’s options in the BC LDB’s Hospitality handbook: https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product-consultants
• To see a flowchart on how the trial works, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCLiquor_DistributionModel_Flowchart.pdf