BURNABY – A comprehensive liquor policy review by the City of Vancouver which recommends the store-in-store model for selling liquor in grocery stores is a prudent and socially responsible approach, says the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union. 

The report, which will be presented to the city's Finance and Services meeting on June 14, would require grocery outlets to use the store-in-store model, which requires they secure a full Licensee Retail Store (LRS) license, which prohibits licenses from being granted within a one-kilometre radius of another retail outlet. The report recommends against the wine-on-shelf model that is not subject to these requirements.

"The BCGEU supports the City of Vancouver's responsible approach to liquor sales," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Increased density of liquor retail locations has significant negative social and health consequences for our communities. This policy approach, if adopted by Vancouver Council, will limit the expansion of retail liquor sales and ensure better control over the sale of liquor to minors."

The Centre for Addictions Research of BC has identified 655 more alcohol-related hospitalizations and 31 more alcohol-related deaths since the provincial government's reform of B.C. liquor laws in 2014.

"The store-in-store model of liquor sales is also more equitable," says Smith. "It ensures that large grocery store chains enter the liquor retail market on a level playing field with existing retailers. Social and health risks are less than the wine-on-shelf model, because controlled liquor access and advertising don't proliferate in grocery stores.

"The BCGEU cares about the communities in which our members live and work. We care about good family supporting jobs and limiting access of these controlled products to minors. The proposed Vancouver liquor policy is a good step in securing these values for our communities."

For more information, contact Chris Bradshaw at 604-369-8411