December 5, 2017

BC's Liquor Distribution Branch the right choice to manage cannabis

The B.C. government's decision to make the Liquor Distribution Branch responsible for the distribution of non-medical cannabis is the right choice for British Columbia, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union said today.

"We applaud the BC government's decision to warehouse and distribute cannabis through the Liquor Distribution Branch," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "It is the right choice for British Columbians."

The government release notes that they anticipate establishing a public-private retail model for non-medical cannabis. Although the announcement doesn't provide details about the retail model, the BCGEU in partnership with ABLE BC since 2015 to advocate for a distribution and retail system that includes public and private liquor stores as primary retails outlets.

"We are encouraged that the government is seriously considering a public-private retail structure for the sale of cannabis in British Columbia," says Smith. "BC's public and private liquor stores have a proven track record over many decades, selling controlled alcohol products to adults in a responsible manner. We look forward to seeing the detailed proposal as soon as it is available."

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, representing over 73,000 members in direct government service, the broader public sector and service sectors across the province, including members working in the B.C Liquor Distribution Branch.

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