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Liquor Warehouse Program

June 2023 Notice

 

Thank you for your interest in the Liquor Warehouse Program (LWP) with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Please be advised that applicants to the LWP are currently experiencing delays with obtaining sufferance and bond licenses from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which is a requirement of the LWP.

 

For questions and updates on timelines, please contact the CBSA office in the location where your business operates.

 

Thank you for understanding that all applicants to the LWP are required to provide the LDB with sufferance and bond licenses issued by the CBSA before final approval is provided by the LDB. We appreciate your patience during this time and invite you to contact us should you wish to continue your application for the LDB Liquor Warehouse Program.

 

Licensed agents, referred to as Domestic Agents/Distributors in the agreement, representing liquor products produced outside of B.C. are required to enter into a Liquor Warehouse Program Agreement with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). This agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which liquor imported into B.C. may be:

  • stored at approved excise licensed warehouse (import wine, spirits, and refreshment beverages) or a custom bonded warehouse (import beer);
  • transferred to an LDB distribution centre;
  • privately distributed to approved customers, if authorized by the LDB under an ancillary agreement; or
  • transferred out of province, including to ships chandlers

 

The LDB authorizes third-party warehouse operators, who satisfy certain pre-conditions, to offer liquor warehouse program services to licensed agents. All warehouse operators wanting to provide or continue providing liquor warehouse program services will be required to enter into the LDB's Agreement Relating to the Operation of a Warehouse Under the Liquor Warehouse Program as a condition of their authorization or continued authorization.

 

Upon meeting certain requirements, authorized warehouse operators enter into an agreement with the LDB under the Liquor Warehouse Program to receive and store beverage alcohol in B.C.

 

Warehouse operators interested in becoming authorized by the LDB can download the Liquor Warehouse Program Information Package for Warehouse Operators.

 

Questions about the Liquor Warehouse Program? Please contact the Industry Programs Coordinator by phone at 604-252-6233 or by email at [email protected].