About Us
WHO WE ARE
About Public liquor
At Public, we’re passionate about hand-crafted local beer, wine, and spirits. Our shelves are thoughtfully stocked with artisan spirits, Okanagan wines, and BC craft beers—plus all your classic favorites. Whether you’re hunting for a new discovery or an old standby, our team of liquor enthusiasts is here to help.
We’re more than a liquor store—we’re a space to celebrate and support BC’s incredible winemakers, distillers, and brewers. Proudly owned and operated by Kelowna locals—Jim Nixon, Kyle & Carolyn Nixon, and Dominique & Jesse Cowan—Public was founded with a vision of community, creativity, and local pride.
Our Story
Public Liquor opened its doors in April 2015, driven by a love for great libations and a desire to create something different. We started with one of the largest selections of craft beer and local wine in the Okanagan Valley—and the passion hasn’t stopped since.
In February 2018, we expanded into a larger space, adding 1,000 square feet to better serve our guests. The new space includes increased cooler capacity, a private event area, and of course, room for even more amazing products from BC and beyond.
We now offer a variety of services beyond retail:
Local delivery & shipping
Custom orders & event consultations
Cellar management
Private and public tasting events
Our Community
Welcome to Kelowna!
With over 40 wineries, 16 breweries, and 2 distilleries within a twenty minute drive, Kelowna is an epicurean’s dream! Tourists and locals alike flock to the vibrant downtown core, the gorgeous beaches, world renowned golf courses, ski hills, and great outdoors. We are proud to call this city home.
Looking for more information? Have a look at Tourism Kelowna’s Visitor Guide.
Or visit The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society to see what’s happening at the wineries.
OUR TEAM
Jesse Cowan: Managing Partner
Jesse is Managing Partner and our fearless captain of our ship. While he may have joined the crew recently, he has had his hands in Public as partner behind the scenes since day one. He brings a wealth of knowledge, a love for beer, and a calm + steady attitude. Jesse manages our big picture strategic operations and day to day, but never hesitates to get his hands dirty unloading a pallet. Like his favourite beer, an imperial stout, he is strong, a little sweet (but not too sweet) and only gets better with time.
DipHort, WSET Level 2 in Wines
Contact: [email protected]
Public Pick: Anything other than a Pilsner
Bethany FULL: Training Supervisor, Social Media Manager
Bethany has worked at Public since 2018. She loves locally-crafted goods and also harbours a deep obsession with tiki drinks. When she's not at Public, you can probably find her reading at Sprout Bakery, thrifting for vintage glassware, binging Netflix on her couch, or fermenting something. Looking for a local lunch spot, a compelling new tv show, or a signature cocktail recipe? Ask Bethany! Need help finding the perfect beer, cider, or wine to pair with a meal? Ask Bethany! She would love to help you find your new favourite thing.
Cicerone Certified Beer Server, WSET Level 1 in Wines, WSET Level 1 in Spirits
Public Pick: The Hermit Bordeaux style red wine
Dominique Cowan: Partner
Dominique is Public Liquor's silent First Lieutenant to Jesse’s Ship Captain. Along with her partners, Dominique founded the shop in 2015 with a vision to provide exceptional customer service to the industry she is most passionate about. As a wine lover, you will often find Dominique curating our wine offerings, and arranging staff field trips for the team to drink wine + tour vineyards. Dominique manages Human Resources for our hospitality group, Nixon Hospitality, but is sure to pop in to the store every once in a while to chat wine, and see some familiar faces.
BA, WSET Certified, Sommelier
Contact: [email protected]
Public Pick: Synchromesh Riesling, anything Daydreamer or Del’s Super Cool Wine Spritzers