Wine producers are defending grocery stores selling liquor.
The B.C. Wine Institute is countering claims from the Alliance of Beverage Licensees that restrictions need to be placed on wine sales in grocery outlets.
“B.C. VQA wine-in-grocery is merely moving B.C. VQA wine from the shelves of an existing store on to the shelves of a grocery store,” said Miles Prodan, B.C. Wine Institute president.
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees, representing private liquor stores, recently asked Vernon city council to only support grocery stores selling liquor if they are one kilometre away from another liquor retail outlet.
However, Prodan says such a policy isn’t necessary.
“Given their unique, and limited B.C. VQA wine-only selection, B.C. VQA wine stores have never be subject to the liquor retail sales-imposed one-kilometre rule,” he said.
“In fact, all current B.C. VQA wine stores operate today in close proximity to other liquor retailers, as each offers a different selection of liquor products.
Vernon council has not made a decision yet on the request from the Alliance of Beverage Licensees.