Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is a key element of the LDB’s mandate. Our efforts are focused on three themes: encouraging and promoting the responsible use of alcohol and cannabis, reducing the impact our business has on the environment and giving back to the communities we serve.
Responsible Use
At the Liquor Distribution Branch, encouraging and supporting the responsible use of beverage alcohol and non-medical cannabis is a core value of our organization.
Helping to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors is one of our key goals. Staff at BC Liquor Stores receive specific training to ensure we do not sell alcohol to minors, and we discourage our customers from making alcohol available to minors by educating them about the potential negative impacts. The LDB also raises funds through customer donations for Dry Grad celebrations throughout the province.
We actively promote moderation and educate our customers about the harms associated with over-consumption. We also actively discourage our customers from engaging in high-risk behaviour like drinking and driving, consuming alcohol during pregnancy and participating in sporting activities while under the influence of alcohol.
Learn more about how BC Liquor Stores promote responsible consumption here.
Children and young people are not permitted to enter a BC Cannabis Store at any time, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Our strict two-ID check policy for people who look under 30-years of age ensures only those over the age of 19 are able to enter the store. Visitors to our online store must declare their full birthdate to verify age prior to the system allowing them to continue to the full ecommerce site, which reminds consumers that it is illegal for a person under the age of 19 to purchase or attempt to purchase non-medical cannabis.
BC Cannabis Stores also have in-store corporate social responsibility materials and signage encouraging responsible use of non-medical cannabis.
From the risks of impaired driving to how to talk to teens about cannabis, our Responsibility blog explores the legal, health, and social issues surrounding the safe and responsible use of non-medical cannabis in BC.
Environmental Sustainability
The LDB is committed to being environmentally responsible and sustainable in its operations and in all facets of our business. Each year since 2010, the LDB has proudly contributed towards the BC government’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by maintaining carbon neutral operations and generating a net impact of zero emissions.
The LDB uses efficient LED lighting, non-toxic paint, and flooring and tiles made with materials in construction and renovation projects at our distribution centres, BC Liquor Stores and BC Cannabis Stores. At the Head Office, we are diverting recyclable and compostable waste away from landfills by providing waste sorting stations collecting organic/compostable waste, recyclable containers, paper products and garbage.
The LDB aims to be a sustainable wholesaler and retailer through continuous improvement, reducing its environmental footprint by building on existing programs and introducing new initiatives.
For more information about the LDB’s sustainability initiatives, contact [email protected].
Community Fundraising
The LDB and its employees believe in giving back to their communities.
The LDB actively participates in the Provincial Employees Community Services Fund, a coordinated workplace fundraising campaign to support charitable organizations in communities across BC. Fundraising efforts are supported voluntarily by employees, and funds stay in the communities where they were raised.
Since April 2020, the LDB, through its network of retail stores, has also raised more than $2.7 million for Food Banks BC to support local food banks and other hunger relief agencies across the province in providing vital food sources to people facing food insecurity.
The LDB is also an official Disaster Partner for the Canadian Red Cross, facilitating the collection of donations from store customers throughout British Columbia after major disasters. Since 2003, our customers and employees have raised more than $6.6 million for crisis relief.
Since 1989, BC Liqour Stores (BCLS) have operated the Share-A-Bear program, which benefits community agencies and support groups. BCLS also supports Dry Grad initiatives and accepts applications (from federally registered charities) for the placement of coin donation recepticals in stores. For more information, please contact the Social Responsibility Coordinator at 604-252-6282.