The series consists of illegal activities case files created by the Liquor Control and Licensing branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The records document the investigation of illegal activities in the distribution and sale of alcohol in the Province. Records relate to conducting enforcement investigations and inquiries into illegal activities taking place in a licensed premises or by manufacturers or their agents, pertaining to the illegal manufacture, sale, purchase or smuggling of illicit liquor in the province. Enforcement actions (e.g., liquor seizures) may be carried out by the Branch or other law enforcement agencies on behalf of the Branch in accordance with the Liquor Control and Licensing Act (RSBC 1996, c. 267) and Regulations (BC Reg. 244/2002), the Judicial Review Procedure Act (RSBC 1996, c.242), and subsequent legislation governing the operational responsibilities and functions of the creating agency.
Illicit liquor includes liquor that has been smuggled from other provinces, the United States or other international locations; liquor that has not been purchased, sold or kept in compliance with the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and Regulations as well as the terms and conditions of the licence; adulterated or watered down liquor; sale of personal use or illegally manufactured liquor including sale of U-brew, U-vin products, home distilled or home fermented liquor; and use of medicinal, confectionary, culinary, or other concoctions containing alcohol but not intended for consumption (e.g., Chinese cooking wines, mouthwashes and aftershave lotions).
A few of the records document the research and evaluation of current issues that affect the sale or production of liquor products such as rural agency stores, unlicensed motor vessels, fishing lodges and aboriginal affairs. Records may also contain information pertaining to alcohol-related incidents of special significance or importance to liquor control and licensing (e.g., death as a result of alcohol consumption) which may have influence over policy. Additionally, a few files relate to licensed manufacturers of beer, wine and spirits pursuant to the Liquor Control and Licensing Act (RSBC 1996, c.267, ss. 12, 15, 55, 56, 57 and 58). Manufacturers must be licensed to produce distilled spirits, wine, beer or cider. The records were created between 1981 and 2010 in British Columbia.
The records are arranged by the name of the establishment under investigation for illegal activities. They include correspondence, memoranda, reports, news clippings and legal documents, copies of coroner’s inquiries and coroner’s reports, policy reviews, research materials, licences, applications, renewal forms, and reports. The records are classified as illegal activities case files (71800-20) under the Liquor Control and Licensing ORCS (schedule 111801), published in 2006. Some records are classified as issues and topics of interest (70100-20) and policy and procedures files (73400-00).
British Columbia. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General