Since the Liberal government announced its misguided intention to privatize the Liquor Distribution Branch, there have been a number of issues raised about the integrity of the process, including the failure to produce a business case showing this sell-off is in the best interests of British Columbians. The liquor industry was not engaged in any meaningful consultation before the process moved forward and is concerned about the higher costs these changes will bring.

Now, the recent resignation of the general manager of the LDB , who was to be overseeing the privatization process, has raised additional concerns as the deadline for submissions to the RFP process is slated for June 29, 2012.

New Democrat critic for the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch Shane Simpson has written to the Fairness Monitor asking to recommended the government postpone the process to permit for meaningful consultation with the industry and to allow for a the general manager to be replaced to properly oversee negotiations.

A copy of the letter is attached.

letter_to_fairness_monitor_on_the_privatization_process_of_the_liquor_distribution_branch