BC Liquor Stores are a chain of government-owned and operated retail outlets operated by the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch to distribute alcoholic beverages in the province of British Columbia, Canada.[1] They are accountable to the Attorney General of British Columbia.[3] BC Liquor Stores currently operate 198 locations across the province.[1] The chain was established in June 1921, following the result of a plebiscite in favour of liquor availability through government liquor stores. Prior to the plebiscite, alcohol had been illegal through the Prohibition Act, introduced on May 23, 1916, with exceptions for sacramental, medicinal or industrial purposes.[4]