BC Liquor Stores

BC Liquor Stores
Company typeCrown corporation
IndustryRetail
FoundedJune 21, 1921 (1921-06-21):43
Headquarters,
Canada
Number of locations
198
Key people
R. Blain Lawson – chief executive officer
ProductsLiquor sales and distribution (permitted by law)
Revenue$3.33 billion CAD (2016–17)
$1.08 billion CAD (2016–17)
Number of employees
4,000 (2017)
Websitewww.bcliquorstores.com

BC Liquor Stores are a chain of government-owned and operated retail outlets operated by the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch to distribute alcoholic beverages in the province of British Columbia, Canada. They are accountable to the Attorney General of British Columbia. BC Liquor Stores currently operate 198 locations across the province. The chain was established in June 1921, following the result of a plebiscite in favour of liquor availability through government liquor stores.:43 Prior to the plebiscite, alcohol had been illegal through the Prohibition Act, introduced on May 23, 1916, with exceptions for sacramental, medicinal or industrial purposes.:21–22