About the LDB

Overview

The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is one of two branches of Government responsible for the wholesale distribution and retail sale of beverage alcohol and non-medical cannabis. While it is not a crown corporation, the LDB is required to comply with the requirements of a Crown agency in relation to its financial reporting, service plan and mandate letter.

 

To fulfill our responsibilities to Government and the people of BC, the LDB:

• generates revenue for the Government of BC;
• manages the LDB’s business risks;
• ensures accountability of key business partners; and
• develops and implements programs and services aimed at deterring the sale of non-medical cannabis and beverage alcohol to minors and those who appear intoxicated.

 

The LDB is proud to contribute more than $1 billion annually to the Province of B.C., helping to provide financial support for vital public services such as health care and education.

 

 

Governance

The Liquor Distribution Act (LDA) gives the LDB the sole right to purchase beverage alcohol both within BC and from outside the province, in accordance with the federal Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act.  The Cannabis Distribution Act (CDA) establishes a government wholesale cannabis distribution model, public cannabis retail stores, and an online government sales channel.

 

Under the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the LDB has a General Manager and CEO who is responsible for administering the LDA and the CDA, subject to direction from the Minister. The General Manager and CEO:

 

• Operates a province-wide, retail and wholesale beverage alcohol business, within a mixed public-private retail model;
• Operates a province-wide, retail and wholesale non-medical cannabis business within a mixed public private retail model;
• Has a workforce of nearly 5,000 full- and part-time employees

 

 

BCLIQUOR Stores & BC Cannabis Stores
The LDB is the operator of 198 BCLIQUOR stores and 39 BC Cannabis Stores. With over 235 stores in BC, it makes LDB one of the largest retail chain operators in the province.

 

Since opening its first BC Cannabis Store in Kamloops on October 17, 2018, the LDB has been carefully and efficiently rolling out its chain of BC Cannabis Stores in municipal communities with established zoning bylaws for the retail of non-medical cannabis.

 

For more information on the steps we take to ensure our BC Cannabis Stores are designed to be safe and socially responsible, we invite you to view the video below.

 

To watch the video, please confirm that you are 19 years of age or older.

 

 

Skip ahead to learn the answers to five of BC Cannabis Stores' most frequently asked questions.

2:25 | How do BC Cannabis Stores keep cannabis out of the hands of youth?

3:07 | What will BC Cannabis Stores do about physical security of the store & to mitigate crime in the area?

4:41 | What will keep people from smoking cannabis inside & outside of a BC Cannabis Store?

5:08 | Will I be able to smell cannabis from outside the store?

5:31 | Do BC Cannabis Stores have an advantage over private retailers?