Organizers of the West Coastsa国际传媒檚 popular Tofino Food and Wine Festival say the event will not be held next year because of fractured relationship with B.C.sa国际传媒檚 Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
sa国际传媒淭o the many patrons, artists, musicians, winemakers, chefs, suppliers, organizers, sponsors and volunteers who have been our partners these many years, we extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks and regrets,sa国际传媒 read a statement on the eventsa国际传媒檚 website Oct. 4.
sa国际传媒淭hese events have all been happy, convivial afternoons of celebrating our great B.C. wineries, craft brewers, distillers and the culinary excellence of B.C.sa国际传媒檚 restaurant industry.sa国际传媒
Organizers blamed a sa国际传媒渢erribly ruptured relationshipsa国际传媒 with the agency that issues liquor licences in B.C., saying their positive relationship with the branch this year suddenly.
sa国际传媒淥ur experience was the opposite; obstructive, hostile, intimidating and rude. We felt like an opponent.sa国际传媒
It suggests this year, organizers navigated the permit requirements only to receive one just two weeks before the event, leading to sa国际传媒渁 great deal of anxiety, stress and pressure for the producers and directors.sa国际传媒
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This yearsa国际传媒檚 event, held in June, was a success, but the organization said it is not confident it will get a permit for 2020 and does not want to risk the disappointment or stress.
Andrea McQuade, a district councillor and co-owner of festival contributor Kuma Restaurant, said the cancellation was unexpected and unfortunate, and touted the event as a sa国际传媒渓inchpinsa国际传媒 of the local culinary scene.
sa国际传媒淭o have everyone come to Tofino, a relatively small place sa国际传媒 it gives us a boost in morale, it gives us a boost in tourism and it gives locals and tourists alike a really great time,sa国际传媒 McQuade said, adding she hopes the event will return in 2021.
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch has not yet returned a request for comment.
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