VICTORIA - Supporting social responsibility initiatives like dry grad celebrations and children's charities have earned B.C. Liquor Stores an award from the Retail Council of Canada, Solicitor General John Les said today.

"B.C. Liquor Stores care about enhancing B.C. communities and the quality of life we all share" said Les. "They've raised more than $1.5 million for alcohol-free graduation events and also sold about 259,000 teddy bears since 1989 to support children's charities like Christmas stocking funds and hospitals, so this award is well deserved."

B.C. Liquor Stores are the retail arm of the ministry's Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).

"The LDB incorporates social responsibility as part of its daily operations," said Les. "They play a key role in promoting this government's public safety commitment around the responsible use of alcohol, including the promotion of zero consumption for minors."

Every year the Retail Council of Canada honours retailers with Excellence in Retailing Awards that recognize the retail industry's top achievers. B.C. Liquor Stores were recognized as the recipients of one of 18 prestigious industry awards at an awards dinner in Toronto on June 4, 2007.