Wage Survey

for all CRS, LRS, and LP businesses in BC

Thank you to everyone who participated in ABLE BC's 2024 Wage Survey. Your feedback is crucial to our understanding of the state of the industry and helps us advocate for your needs and ensure the financial health and recovery of private liquor businesses.

The detailed report of this year's wage Survey findings is now available. Members can access this report for free in the member portal. 

If you are not an ABLE BC member, you can purchase the report for $25 in our online store. 

We surveyed our members throughout July to better understand the impact of the June 1, 2024 minimum wage increase, current standards for starting wages, and what our members include in employee benefits packages.

We collected responses from nearly 10% of all ABLE BC members, including cannabis retailers, liquor retailers, and liquor primary operators.

Unsurprisingly, rising labour costs are putting significant strain on cannabis and liquor businesses and negatively impacting profitability. Owners and managers struggle to afford competitive wages and benefits, despite wanting to offer their employees more.

The information you provide in this survey will be kept strictly private and confidential. Your responses will not be viewed on an individual basis but analyzed in aggregate form.

Liquor Industry Benchmark Survey

for all LRS and LP businesses in BC

Thank you to everyone who participated in ABLE BC's 2024 Industry Benchmark Survey. Your feedback is crucial to our understanding of the state of the industry and helps us advocate for your needs and ensure the financial health and recovery of private liquor businesses.

The detailed report of this year's Industry Benchmark Survey findings is now available. Members can access this report for free in the member portal. 

If you are not an ABLE BC member, you can purchase the report for $50 in our online store. 

For the second year, the Industry Benchmark Survey includes responses from Licensee Retail Store (LRS) and Liquor Primary (LP) members. The 2024 survey was simplified to improve response rates and focus on key business indicators across the private liquor industry. The survey was open throughout May 2024 and captured responses from nearly 10% of ABLE BC members. 

This year's survey shows that over 40% of all respondents are operating at a loss or breaking even. We know times are tough for industry. All businesses, whether retailer, pub, bar, or restaurant, are struggling to turn a profit and operate with confidence. 

Fortunately, customers are returning as 60% of survey respondents report that 2023 sales volumes increased or remained stable compared to 2022. However, given the downward pressure on profitability, it's clear that industry is far from recovery.

The information you provide in this survey will be kept strictly private and confidential. Your responses will not be viewed on an individual basis but analyzed in aggregate form.

ABLE BC members can access last year’s report for free in the member portal. Non-members can purchase last year’s report in our online store for $25.00.

Interested in signing up with ABLE BC to view the report for free and gain access to our full suite of benefits and resources? Contact us to learn more about membership.