Organizers of the West Coast害羞草研究所檚 popular Tofino Food and Wine Festival say the event will not be held next year because of fractured relationship with B.C.害羞草研究所檚 Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

害羞草研究所淭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,害羞草研究所� read a statement on the event害羞草研究所檚 website Oct. 4.

害羞草研究所淭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.害羞草研究所檚 restaurant industry.害羞草研究所�

Organizers blamed a 害羞草研究所渢erribly ruptured relationship害羞草研究所� with the agency that issues liquor licences in B.C., saying their positive relationship with the branch this year suddenly.

害羞草研究所淥ur experience was the opposite; obstructive, hostile, intimidating and rude. We felt like an opponent.害羞草研究所�

It suggests this year, organizers navigated the permit requirements only to receive one just two weeks before the event, leading to 害羞草研究所渁 great deal of anxiety, stress and pressure for the producers and directors.害羞草研究所�

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This year害羞草研究所檚 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 害羞草研究所渓inchpin害羞草研究所� of the local culinary scene.

害羞草研究所淭o have everyone come to Tofino, a relatively small place 害羞草研究所� 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,害羞草研究所� 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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