Article content

VANCOUVER — An Alberta-based whisky distributor says “archaic” liquor policies in British Columbia are limiting the range of products consumers can access.

Robert Carpenter, co-founder of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said B.C. bars have long skirted rules that prevent them from buying unique products at private liquor stores that aren’t carried at government stores.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'Archaic' liquor laws in B.C. hurt consumers, whisky distributor says Back to video

His comments follow the seizure of his whisky products at four B.C. bars last week.

Carpenter said B.C.’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch has yet to inform the bar owners of the exact rationale for the seizure, but it’s believed to be the result of how the establishments purchased the whisky.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society only distributes its product to two private liquor stores in B.C. in addition to locations in Alberta, Carpenter said.

For several years, the whisky has also been found in “partner bars” in B.C., which Carpenter explained is a term his company uses for marketing purposes but doesn’t reflect a formal business agreement.