B.C. government considering grocery store liquor sales but no corner store

VANCOUVER – There will be no net gain in the number of liquor outlets in British Columbia, even if the province ultimately allows liquor sales in grocery stores.

John Yap, the parliamentary secretary tasked with a review of liquor laws in the province, says one of the 70 recommendations included in the report given to thejustice minister this week is that liquor sales be allowed in grocery stores.

But Yap says there are 731 licensed liquor retailers in B.C. right now, and he’s recommending it stay that way.

Big-box retailers like WalMart sell liquor in the United States, and Costco made a written submission to the review saying it would embrace the opportunity to sell liquor in B.C. stores.

The Alliance of Beverage Licensees, which represents private liquor retailers, says allowing multinational chains to sell alcohol will put small businesses at risk.

Yap didn’t release the other recommendations, but he did say the report does not recommend expanding sales to convenience stores.