B.C. and nine provinces sign historic deal allowing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales
Canadians can now order beer, wine and spirits directly from licensed out-of-province producers. B.C.'s rollout is set for February 2027.
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Nine provincial premiers, including B.C.'s David Eby, signed a historic liquor agreement on July 21 that eliminates barriers restricting direct sales of Canadian alcohol across provincial borders.
Under the agreement, Canadians can now purchase beer, wine, spirits and cider directly from licensed out-of-province producers and have them shipped to their door. The move comes as the Trump administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian products including alcohol, but B.C. and Ontario are standing firm on keeping U.S. alcohol off government shelves.
Eby stated unambiguously: "There is not a chance in hell that U.S. alcohol is going back on the shelf in British Columbia — and I'm proud of that and I know that British Columbians support that." He compared caving to tariff pressure to empowering a bully and said the federal government has not asked him to reverse the decision.
B.C. is on a delayed rollout timeline, with direct-to-consumer sales expected to launch in February 2027. Business leaders welcomed the move. Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, said the changes will create opportunities for businesses and expand consumer choice. Ryan Mitton, director of legislative affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in B.C., called it "very welcome news" for independent wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries.
The facts
When does B.C.'s direct-to-consumer alcohol sales launch?
February 2027 is when British Columbia's direct-to-consumer alcohol sales are expected to launch.
How many provinces signed the liquor agreement?
Nine provinces, including British Columbia, signed the historic liquor agreement on July 21, 2026.
What alcohol products can be ordered direct-to-consumer under the agreement?
Beer, wine, spirits, and cider can be purchased directly from licensed out-of-province producers and shipped to consumers' doors.
