Conservatives Call on NDP to Finally Put BC Craft Spirits on Liquor Store Shelves and Unlock Jobs and Growth

IMAGE CREDIT:  BC Craft Distillers Guild

Gavin Dew, Conservative MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Opposition Critic for Jobs and Growth, and Ian Paton, Conservative MLA for Delta South and Opposition Critic for Agriculture, today slammed the NDP government for months of inaction on supporting BC's craft distillery sector, leaving shelves empty and economic potential untapped.

"The NDP government performed a hollow political stunt months ago by pulling red-state liquor off BC shelves, which started on February 1st this year," said Dew. "But they've failed miserably at getting our own BC craft spirits onto those same shelves. Instead of meaningful action, we've seen nothing but delays, excuses, and lost economic opportunity."

This continued foot dragging has resulted in empty shelves in BC Liquor Stores and has cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars per day in missed sales revenue.

"This is a no-brainer opportunity staring us right in the face," said Dew. "BC craft distilleries are ready to step up – they create good jobs across the province, buy from our farmers, draw tourists to our communities, and bring in tax dollars that help everyone. But the NDP's delays and excuses are holding them back. They've had months to act on giving these folks the same fair treatment as BC wineries, like VQA-style rebates and scrapping that outdated production cap. Empty shelves mean lost money for BC, and that's on the NDP."

“Increasing domestic spirits production will unlock a growing market for farmers across BC to sell into,” said Ian Paton, Conservative MLA for Delta South and Opposition Critic for Agriculture.

MLA Dew added that, “Contrast that with what could be: BC wineries grew into a multi-billion-dollar success story over the last 30 years because they got the support they needed. Craft distilleries could do even better – they use six times more BC farm products per bottle and can set up shop anywhere in the province, spreading the wealth to every corner, not just the Okanagan. But right now, discriminatory rules are keeping them small and shutting them out of growth.”

With Lana Popham as the new Minister responsible, MLA Dew sees a fresh chance to turn things around. "Minister Popham has a real shot here to build a legacy – one that champions BC jobs, supports our farmers, and gets our craft spirits flying off the shelves. It's time for her to step up, take a common-sense approach, and get her team moving on this file fast. No more posturing; let's act now and watch this industry boom."

The Conservative Caucus of BC is committed to common-sense policies that grow our economy, support local businesses, and put BC first. We know that when we back our homegrown industries, everyone wins – and we're confident that with real leadership, BC's craft distilleries will lead the way to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.