Grocery stores will be able to stock 100 per cent B.C. wine on their shelves as early as April 1, 2015, creating new opportunities for B.C. wineries, supporting B.C.'s home-grown economy and addressing calls for added convenience from consumers.
The second phase of the liquor-in-grocery model will allow existing VQA stores and independent wine stores to relocate or transfer their licence to an eligible grocery store - as long as the licence is only used to sell 100 per cent B.C. wine. Of note, these licences are not subject to the one-kilometre restrictions, allowing more flexibility and choice of locations when moving into a grocery store.
In addition, and in an effort to further support made-in-B.C. products, a limited number of new licences will also be made available specifically for the 100 per cent B.C. wine-on-shelves model. Details on these licences will be available in the new year.