BC Bans All U.S. Liquor, Facilitates ‘Buy Canadian’ Campaign

On March 6, BCLDB (BC Liquor Distribution Branch) announced its support of the BC government response to tariffs on Canada. LDB had notified BC liquor manufacturers, suppliers, agents and third-party warehouses that they were halting the importation of liquor products made in red states and pulling red state liquor from government liquor store shelves. In addition, a 25% surtax was going to be charged on liquor ordered from other states. Days later (on March 10), Premier David Eby ordered the removal of all American liquor products from BC Liquor stores and halted further ordering in response to President Trump’s escalating threats on Canada. Once the inventory of American liquor runs out, restaurants, bars, pubs and private liquor stores will only be able to order Canadian-made liquor.

Why Was the Retaliatory Response Escalated?

The March 10 order is a response to President Trump’s threatened tariffs against Canada’s dairy and lumber industries and musings about redrawing the border.

“Today, we are ordering the removal of all American beer, wine, spirits and refreshment beverages from the shelves at BCLIQUOR stores. The stores carry hundreds of types of U.S. alcohol that the BC Liquor Distribution Branch will also no longer be purchasing”, reads the statement by the Premier, who added “Let there be no mistake about the intent behind tariffs. President Trump wants to hurt Canada economically so he can annex Canada politically.“

Read the “Premier’s statement on removing all U.S. alcohol from BCLIQUOR stores.”
Read details of Canada’s response to tariffs.

LDB Facilitates Grassroots ‘Buy Canadian’ Campaign

To bolster the BC response to tariffs, BCLDB will make it easier for customers to purchase liquor products made in BC and Canada. BC Liquor Stores will add a red maple leaf to shelf labels so that customers can easily find products supplied by Canadian manufacturers. LDB has always been a strong supporter of locally-produced wine and craft beer, which can be found in the “Locally Yours” sections of BCL stores.

Many Canadians have responded to U.S. tariff actions by buying Canadian products whenever possible. To facilitate consumers desire to forego purchases of U.S. products and support Canadian producers, LDB has published a list of Canadian liquor products. LDB notes that the vendor-provided products list is subject to change. Download the Canadian Products List (Excel spreadsheet).

Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors Says “Elbows Up”

These are trying times for all Canadians and action is the best way to reduce our collective anxiety. We can all play a part in Canada’s response to tariffs by supporting BC businesses and buying Canadian whenever possible. Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors stands with all of our BC liquor licensee clients. Elbows up and keep your stick on the ice! We’ll get through this.