Series GR-0770 - Liquor Control Board correspondence and licence files

The Liquor Control Board (which superseded the Prohibition Commissioner) was established on 13 April 1921, by order in council (OIC 512/21) and the passage of the Government Liquor Act (SBC 1921, c. 30). This act, by establishing a Liquor Control Board, repealed the British Columbia Prohibition Act (SBC 1916, c. 49).

The functions of the Liquor Control Board were to establish and manage all government liquor stores, establish all necessary warehouses for the storing and bottling of stocks of liquors, authorize and issue liquor permits and enforce all provisions of the Government Liquor Act. In order to carry out these functions, the board was also responsible for hiring staff. The board consisted of individuals appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. The 1921 Government Liquor Act specified that there was to be a board, consisting of three members with one member appointed chairman. In 1932, this was changed to state that the board was to consist of “not more than three members” (SBC 1932, c. 160). In practical terms, as a result of the 1932 change, the board usually consisted of one member who also served as the chairman.

In 1973, the Liquor Control Board was dissolved and its functions were split into two agencies. The Liquor Administration Branch, under the position of the General Manager, became responsible for all functions relating to the management and administration of government liquor stores, and issuance of permits. The British Columbia Liquor Board became responsible to hear and receive submissions respecting any matter arising out of the administration of the Government Liquor Act, to make recommendations to government, and to hear and dispose of appeals of decisions of the Liquor Administration Branch (SBC 1973, c. 37).