Dear Editor:

Premier David Eby has repeatedly stated his commitment to reducing red tape and fostering a business-friendly environment in British Columbia. 

In October 2024, he announced an 鈥渆ase of doing business鈥� review to address regulatory burdens. In January 2025, he directed his cabinet to prioritize economic development by streamlining permitting and reducing barriers.

Yet, for B.C. wineries, cideries and small producers, these promises remain just words because the government鈥檚 liquor policies continue to block growth and innovation. 

It鈥檚 time for action.

Outdated B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch regulations prioritize foreign wine over B.C.-made products and continue to limit access to BC wine for consumers across the province.

With U.S. President Donald Trump鈥檚 proposed tariffs threatening B.C. wine sales internationally, now is the time to eliminate the moratorium and support our made-in-B.C. businesses.

1. End the liquor licensing, oratorium 鈥� The 10-year freeze on new liquor store licenses only benefits existing license holders while hurting B.C. wineries, cideries and consumers. Lift the moratorium and allow new entrants to create competition.

2. Permit offsite tasting rooms 鈥� Washington and California allow wineries to open secondary tasting rooms in urban centres, boosting sales and consumer access. B.C. wineries should be able to open tasting rooms in places like Vancouver and Victoria so customers don鈥檛 need to travel to the Okanagan or Vancouver Island just to try B.C. wine.

3. Fix the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch鈥檚 broken system 鈥� The B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch should be required to prioritize B.C.-made wines and ciders, just like Ontario mandates for its Liquor Control Board of Ontario, ensuring better shelf space, promotional support, and fairer treatment of local producers.

4. Expand retail access for B.C. wine 鈥� Allow B.C. wine and cider to be sold in grocery and big-box stores across the province, just as Ontario has done. More retail access means more sales for small wineries and more choices for consumers.

5. Align with Ontario on takeout alcohol sales 鈥� B.C. still restricts alcohol sales for takeout, limiting small producers' ability to compete. Ontario鈥檚 bottle shop model allows restaurants and bars to sell wine and cider with takeout orders. Why is B.C. behind?

Eby has talked about making life easier for B.C. businesses, but actions speak louder than words. 

B.C.鈥檚 outdated liquor laws continue to benefit a small group of entrenched interests while shutting out local wineries, cideries and small producers.

If this government is serious about supporting made-in-B.C. businesses, it must act now.

The time for talk is over. We need real change.

Ron Kubek, owner

Lightning Rock Winery

Summerland