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BCLIQUOR adds red maple leaf shelf tags on store shelves to help customers support Canadian manufacturers.

Photo courtesy BC Liquor Distribution Branch

BC Liquor Distribution Branch takes action to support government response to U.S. tariffs

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 12:07 PST, Thu March 6, 2025

Last Updated: 12:11 PST, Thu March 6, 2025

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The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is taking the following actions in support of the provincial and federal government responses to the U.S. tariffs enacted on March 4, 2025.

Following the Government of B.C.’s director announced on March 4, 2025, effective immediately, the LDB has halted the importation of U.S.-made liquor products manufactured in red states, and BCLIQOUR (BCL) stores are halting the retail sale and removing from store shelves all U.S.-made liquor products manufactured in these states. U.S.-made liquor products from non-red states will be unaffected by this action at this time and will continue to be imported and sold by the LDB.

The LDB is also making it easier for customers to choose Canadian-made wine, beer, refreshment beverage and spirit products that support BC and Canadian manufacturers and jobs in local industries.

BCL stores are adding red maple leaf shelf labels next to the price labels of products supplied by Canadian manufacturers. This is in addition to detailed product information already available to BCL customers that includes country or region of origin which are included on their individual in-store shelf tag and on the product descriptions posted on the BCL website at bcliquorstores.com.

To further support BC manufacturers, BCL stores stock a variety of BC products and actively promote them through various initiatives, including dedicated “Locally Yours” sections in stores for BC VQA wine and Bottled in BC sections for wine bottled in bC, and BC Craft Beer sections instore. BCL regularly includes regional producer profiles in BCL’s taste magazine, as well as in traditional and digital advertising and through social media channels with dedicated marketing campaigns. BCL stores also have dedicated and expertly trained BC VQA advocates to help further promote those wines to customers.

“The LDB is a strong supporter and advocate for local liquor manufacturers, and we will continue to implement programs to support local industries, including stocking and promoting BC and Canadian-made products,” explained Blain Lawson, general manager and chief executive officer of the LDB. “This further enhancement of adding maple leaf labels to Canadian products in our stores will allow customers to easily find quality products that are produced locally.”

Last month, the LDB took action in support of the provincial and federal decisions in response to the US tariffs announced on February 1, 2025 and temporarily halted the importation and sale of selected US-made alcohol. The LDB will continue to support provincial and federal efforts to support local industries and reduce the risk of future US tariffs.

“From the moment the Trump tariffs were announced, our government has been working to defend BC workers and protect BC jobs,” said Garry Begg, minister of public safety and solicitor general. “If President Trump wants to target our workers and our businesses then we are responded by not selling red state US products in British Columbia. I encourage everyone across the province to support local.”

The LDB is also responsible for the wholesale distribution of alcohol to private retailers and hospitality establishments in the province. To help private retailers, bars, restaurants and pubs looking to support Canadian manufacturers, LDB Wholesale is also compiling and posting a list of Canadian-made products on its wholesale ordering website.