An independent review of wholesale liquor distribution process will try to address industry concerns and ensure recent system changes are meeting the needs of wholesale customers.
It’s a province wide issue, and it’s gotten so bad in some cases, even customers are beginning to notice.
There have been issues in getting liquor supplies for liquor stores, pubs and restaurants across B.C.
However, the Director of the Alliance of Beverage Licenses Jeff Guignard says the problem up until a week or two ago has been the worst he has ever seen.
“It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to resolve this a bit sooner. It’s hard to order products now, and they arrive on the 20th of December. You miss most of the busy season.”
Guignard says part of the reason is the transition pains as the Liquor Distribution Branch moves to a new, larger warehouse in Delta.
“That particular new warehouse now, deliveries have actually been on time for the past couple of weeks from there, and they have been complete. I say that with some pleasant surprise in my voice, unfortunately two weeks does not a reputation make, and our confidence has been completely shaken in the distribution system. I do think this with some luck, will be the last holiday season where we have to go through these sorts of pains.
As for the review, Guignard notes it’s about time something is done on the issue.