In British Columbia, there are two branches of government that have responsibility for the liquor industry: the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) and the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Both of these branches report to the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. The LCLB issues licences for making and selling liquor and supervises the service of liquor in licensed establishments. To learn more about the LCLB, visit www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/lclb.

The LDB, under the authority of the Liquor Distribution Act, has the sole right to purchase beverage alcohol, both in and out of British Columbia, in accordance with the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (Canada). The LDB is responsible for the importation, distribution and retailing of beverage alcohol in British Columbia. The LDB operates approximately 197 government liquor stores (BC Liquor Stores) throughout the province; two distribution centres, one in Vancouver and one in Kamloops; and a head office facility in Vancouver. The LDB also authorizes the sale of liquor in rural communities by Rural Agency Stores.