Liquor Industry Update: February 9, 2023
Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's what you’ll find in today’s update:
ABLE BC's Decriminalized Drug FAQ for Licensed Establishments
TESA's are Expiring Soon, Apply for a Permanent Patio NOW!
Minors as Agents Program (MAP)
Reminder: Check Out ABLE BC's NEW Member Portal!
Reminder: LDB Inventory Count: February 9-12
Excise Tax Increasing on April 1
Granville Street Entertainment Revitalization
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Made Stat Holiday
BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Program
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Benefit Highlight: Foodbuy
Celebrating our Industry
Out and About with ABLE BC!
Join ABLE BC Today!
Find all past updates here.
ABLE BC's Decriminalized Drug FAQ for Licensed Establishments
British Columbia decriminalized the personal possession of small amounts of certain drugs on January 31, 2023. This means adults will not be subjected to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs, and the drugs will not be seized. It is important to note that the exemption to Canada’s Criminal Code that allows for decriminalization expires on January 31, 2026. This 3-year period is intended to be a pilot which will be monitored by the provincial government.
This is a critical step in the BC Government’s efforts to reduce stigma around illicit drug users and in the fight against the toxic drug crisis.
In collaboration with Good Night Out, we have created the following FAQ to help you better understand the implications of decriminalization. This FAQ does not replace legal advice and you are encouraged to seek further professional guidance as needed. See below for resources.
We understand this is a confusing topic and encourage you to reach out to info@ablebc.ca if you have any questions not answered here.
Click here for the pdf version of the FAQ.
Is decriminalization the same as legalization?
No. Decriminalizing certain drugs does not make possession, production, trafficking, or consumption legal.
Decriminalization means that an adult (18 years or older) in possession of 2.5 grams or less of certain drugs will not be met with criminal penalties or have the drugs confiscated.
Police retain the authority, under the Trespass Act, to remove a patron by request from your establishment. The patron will be provided with education and resources around addiction and harm reduction.
Click here for more information on the difference between decriminalization and legalization.
Which drugs have been decriminalized?
Personal possession of 2.5 grams or less of opioids, crack and powder cocaine, meth, and MDMA has been decriminalized. It is important to remember that possession, production, trafficking, and consumption remains illegal.
People can still be criminally charged if they are in possession in certain environments, including elementary and secondary schools, licensed child-care facilities, and airports.
Why have some drugs been decriminalized?
Decriminalization plays a critical role in reducing stigma around substance use and BCs fight against the toxic drug crisis. Click here for more information.
Am I required to have a policy banning the possession or consumption of illegal or decriminalized drugs?
While having a policy is not required in the terms and conditions of your liquor license, to protect yourself from any potential penalties or liability we strongly recommended an internal policy explicitly stating that the possession and consumption of illegal drugs in your establishment is not permitted. You likely already have a policy that bans possession and consumption of illegal drugs. Because decriminalized drugs remain illegal, an existing policy referencing illegal drugs does not need to be amended.
Take time to review your policies with staff and ensure that expectations and responsibilities are clear. If you need help reviewing or creating policies, ABLE BC members receive discounts from Rising Tide Consultants and Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors.
Click here to view an example of an internal policy addressing illegal drugs.
Are patrons allowed to use illegal drugs in my establishment?
No. The consumption of drugs, including recently decriminalized drugs, remains illegal.
Further, allowing a patron to become intoxicated or remain in your establishment while intoxicated, whether by illegal drugs or alcohol, is a violation of the terms and conditions of your liquor license and puts your business at risk of penalty.
What do I do if a patron is found consuming illegal drugs in my establishment?
Remove the patron from your premises. You may call the police to assist in removing the patron.
If the amount is 2.5 grams or less, the patron will not be arrested or charged, but they will be given education and resources around addiction and harm reduction
If the patron is intoxicated in a public place (including a licensed establishment), whether by illegal drugs or not, they may be issued a ticket by police.
What if a patron is not consuming illegal drugs, but is found to be in possession?
You may have security measures in place that would allow staff to search a patron and find illegal drugs even if a person is not consuming. Or a patron could drop a bag of illegal drugs while reaching into a pocket or bag for a wallet or phone.
You can’t know for sure whether or not a patron intends to consume illegal drugs in your establishment. We recommend your internal policy bans possession as well as consumption and that anyone found in possession of illegal drugs may be removed from the premises.
Clear communication with your patrons will help avoid conflict. Consider posting signage in your bathrooms or front door informing patrons that possession and consumption of illegal drugs in your establishment, including recently decriminalized drugs, is not tolerated and you reserve the right to remove any patron found in possession of illegal drugs.
Other steps you can take to ensure your patrons are aware of your policy include a website pop-up or social media post outlining your policy or patron code of conduct and training front door staff to inform patrons of your policy or patron code of conduct while checking IDs.
Should I search all patrons for illegal drugs before allowing entry to my establishment?
No. You should not begin security searches for illegal drugs unless this is already a part of your existing security protocol.
What if my staff bring illegal drugs to work?
Ryan Anderson, employment lawyer with Mathews Dinsdale, recommends that you manage decriminalized drugs the same way you have likely managed the legalization of cannabis. You might consider implementing the following policy:
Cannabis:
The use (consumption), possession, sale or distribution of Cannabis is prohibited while on duty and/or while on Company premises or property (including parking lots).
The use of Cannabis while off duty, in circumstances such that the Employee's work performance and/or fitness to work while on duty may be adversely affected, is prohibited. For purposes of this Policy, adverse effects include any latent, carry-over or hangover effects of Cannabis which may affect the Employee's work performance and/or fitness to work while on duty. Accordingly, Employees must be responsible in their consumption of Cannabis during off-duty times, allowing sufficient time for Cannabis consumed to be fully metabolized before reporting to work.
Illegal Drugs:
The use (consumption), possession, sale or distribution of an Illegal Drug is prohibited while on duty and/or while on Company premises or property (including parking lots).
The Company does not condone the use of Illegal Drugs at any time. Should an Employee choose to use Drugs (including Illegal Drugs) while off duty, such Employees must be responsible in their consumption of Drugs allowing sufficient time for the Drugs consumed to be fully metabolized before reporting to work. The use of a Drug while off duty, in circumstances such that the Employee's work performance and/or fitness to work while on duty may be adversely affected, is prohibited. For purposes of this Policy, adverse effects include any latent, carry-over or hangover effects of a Drug which may affect the Employee's work performance and/or fitness to work while on duty.
If an Employee is involved in the use, possession, sale or distribution of an Illegal Drug while off duty, the Employee may be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment if it is determined that such activity is incompatible with the responsibilities associated with the Employee’s continued employment with the Company.
Where can I find resources on creating a policy or signage to inform patrons about our house rules regarding illegal drugs?
ABLE BC is here to help. Please contact info@ablebc.ca if you have questions or concerns.
Other resources we encourage you to use:
TESA's are Expiring Soon, Apply for a Permanent Patio NOW!
If you are planning to install a patio this summer, you need to take urgent action now. TESA applications from last year are expiring soon and do not provide approval for patios this coming summer.
The General Manager of the LCRB has extended the deadline for currently approved Temporary Expanded Service Areas (TESAs) to expire on March 31, 2023
This means that if you have not made the service area under your TESA permanent by applying for a permanent structural change (e.g., applying for a patio), your TESA will expire on March 31, 2023 and you will not be able to sell or serve liquor in the expanded space.
It’s very important to note that it can take up to 10 months to get your application approved. Licensees who have not yet applied are now at risk of their TESA expiring before they can get approval for a new outdoor patio or structural change.
You can find more information on how to apply on the LCRB’s website.
Please note, not all TESA authorizations will be viable permanent patios. Before you apply and pay the fee, it is your responsibility to work with your local government and authorities to make sure the TESA you want to make permanent complies with all local permits, guidelines, bylaws and requirements.
To apply as a Liquor Primary or Food Primary licensee:
Log in to the liquor and cannabis licensing portal with a BCeID
Go to the "Licences and Authorizations" dashboard and find the licence you want to change.
Select:
"New Outdoor Patio" for an outdoor TESA or
"Structural Change Application" for an indoor TESA
Complete the application
If you have questions about your expiring TESA or applying for a permanent structural change, we encourage you to contact a liquor licensing consultant. Check out the ABLE BC Buyer’s Guide for recommended consultants.
Minors as Agents Program (MAP)
The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is one of the Liquor Control and Regulation Branch’s (LCRB) most effective programs to prevent underage drinking and cannabis use. Given the potentially severe consequences of underage drinking and cannabis use, preventing the sale of liquor and cannabis to minors is one of the LCRB’s key priorities.
The program was started in 2010 and, according to section 78 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, allows minors who are “employed or contracted by a municipal police board, the provincial police force or the general manager to test the compliance of a licensee” to purchase liquor or cannabis. Under MAP, one to three undercover agents, including a minor, will enter a licensed establishment and attempt to purchase liquor in order to test the establishment’s compliance.
MAP does not allow the undercover agent to lie, an important distinction from entrapment. Minor agents work under supervision of inspectors and will answer any questions (such as their age) honestly.
If you sell liquor or cannabis to a minor agent, you have the option to:
admit to the contravention and accept the proposed penalty;
admit to the contravention and dispute the penalty; or
dispute that the contravention occurred.
If you have questions about MAP, please reach out to lcrbliquorpolicy@gov.bc.ca.
ABLE BC has due diligence materials available online for members as well as signage in our online store. If you are interested in these materials, please get in touch with Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication, about becoming an ABLE member. You can reach Ann at 604-688-5560 or ann@ablebc.ca.
We encourage you to review your due diligence policies with your staff regularly and ensure that new employees are properly trained and understand the importance of checking ID. If there is any doubt whether a patron is 19 or over, licensees must take reasonable steps to verify age by checking ID. Licensees must refuse service if they believe that a patron is a minor or attempting to purchase liquor or cannabis for a minor.
ABLE members receive a discount with Sting Investigations on due diligence and compliance services.
Reminder: Check Out ABLE BC's NEW Member Portal!
ABLE BC launched our brand new member management system and member portal on February 1, 2023. If you haven't logged in to see what's new, we encourage you to do that now! Haven't received your login credentials? Reach out to ann@ablebc.ca to get set up.
We are now working with Member365 to bring you a more streamlined and accessible member experience.
What's New?
Our member portal comes with several new and improved features for ABLE members. You will continue to see improvements and additions throughout the year, along with the same benefits and resources we have always provided.
With the new member portal, you can easily update your personal and business contact information, update your communication preferences, register for events, and connect with the ABLE community with our new member directory.
Benefits and resources are more accessible and you can view past webinar recordings at any time.
When it comes time to renew, you will receive automatic reminders and payment options and be able to view your invoices and receipts with the click of a button.
Signing up as a new member? Our online application forms have been updated and can now automatically prorate your membership fee based on your sign-up date.
Member Webinar
To help you get acquainted with the new member portal, we're hosting a member webinar on February 23. In this webinar, we'll give you a tour of the new portal, preview further improvements to come, and answer any questions you might have.
If you have questions or feedback about the member portal you want to see addressed in the webinar, please send these to ann@ablebc.ca.
Webinar details:
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Location: zoom
Haven't Renewed your ABLE Membership?
If you haven't renewed your ABLE membership, you will receive a welcome email with login credentials, but you won't be able to login and access our resources and benefits. If you'd like to renew to regain access, please reach out to ann@ablebc.ca.
Reminder: LDB Inventory Count: February 9-12
The LDB has asked that we share the following update with you.
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) distribution centres in Delta and Kamloops will conduct a mandatory physical inventory count from Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 12, 2023. The distribution centres will not be filling orders during the inventory count.
The Wholesale Customer Centre will email impacted customers of any changes to their shipping schedule.
Thank you for your patience.
Hospitality Customers Serviced by BC Liquor Stores
Hospitality customers serviced by BC Liquor stores may continue to place orders during the inventory count but only product stocked in the store can be fulfilled until the count is completed. Products that are fulfilled directly from the distribution centres and third-party warehouse stocked product (NSWP) may be delayed.
Wholesale Customer Centre
Phone: 604-775-0681, toll free 1-888-775-0681
Email: wholesalehelp@bcldb.com
Hospitality Customers Serviced by WCC Victoria
Customers may place orders during the inventory count but only product stocked in the WCC Victoria can be fulfilled until the count is complete. Products that are fulfilled directly from the distribution centres and third-party warehouse stocked product (NSWP) may be delayed.
The Wholesale Customer Centre in Victoria will be open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm to assist you.
Wholesale Customer Centre Victoria
Phone: 250-356-2906
Email: wccvictoriainfo@bcldb.com
Hospitality Customers Serviced by WCC Vancouver
Customers may place orders during the inventory count but orders will not be processed until the count is completed.
You will not receive Order Submission Reports from 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8 until operations resume on Monday, February 13, 2023.
Returns will not be processed from February 6 – 12, inclusive.
You may experience a delay in receiving third-party warehouse stocked product (NSWP).
Please note your location’s order time or delivery day will not be impacted by the annual inventory count. We will also provide you with a final reminder of the inventory count on February 6. The Wholesale Customer Centre will be open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wholesale Customer Centre
Phone: 604-775-0681, toll free 1-888-775-0681
Email: wholesalehelp@bcldb.com
Excise Tax Increasing on April 1
The excise tax is an automatic increase in taxes on wine, beer, cider, and spirits set to take place on April 1, 2023. Introduced in 2017, this tax is tied to inflation and increases every year.
The excise tax on alcohol will see an increase of 6.3% applied to manufacturers. While the actual price increase to alcohol products will be small, about 1.7 cents per can of beer for example, any added cost to retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers at a time when prices are already increasing due to inflation, labour costs, and supply chain issues is unfair.
“It is a hidden tax. Most consumers would have no idea there’s such a thing,” CJ Helie, the President of Beer Canada says. “It is imposed at the manufacturer’s level as soon as they make the product. So what that means is that it’s embedded into the price initially as the supplier sells to the distributor, from the distributor to the retailer, or the bar, and so it gets marked up all along the way.”
ABLE BC's Executive Director Jeff Guignard calls the automatic increase "fundamentally stupid." ABLE and other industry partners are fighting against the excise tax and will be in Ottawa next week to discuss "logical, sensible reform" with government partners. We will provide further updates as they are available.
Granville Street Entertainment Revitalization
"It's about time," says Jeff Guignard, Executive Director of ABLE BC.
Last week, the City of Vancouver approved plans to revitalize and transform the historic Granville entertainment district. The plan puts focus on improving public spaces and enhancing cultural use all the while preserving the heritage and unique culture of the district.
In a recent interview with Global News, Jeff said “If we're going to call ourselves a world-class city we need to have a world-class, artistic, entertainment district right in the heart of our city”
This plan aims to increase office and business presence, making way for more entertainment, dining, and tourism opportunities. The city plans to tackle the entertainment district's single-room occupancies (SROs) by re-purposing these spaces into self-contained units providing people with dignified housing.
The plan will also explore a possible vehicle-free area and address the current hotel shortage.
With a budget of $300,000, the planning phase is projected to take 18 months, with the funds being set aside from this year’s operating budget.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Made Stat Holiday
Earlier this week, Labour Minister Harry Bains introduced Bill 2, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Act 2023 in the Legislature.
The bill establishes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday to be observed every September 30 starting this year. This means that most employees will get a paid day off, or be paid overtime for working that day.
Click here to read the press release.
BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Program
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for the scholarships it administers. The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31, 2023.
Two $1,000 Spirit Education Scholarships
Up to five $1,000 Wine Professional scholarships
Up to five $1,000 Culinary scholarships
One $2,000 Chef Nik Lim Legacy Scholarship
One $1,500 Greg King Legacy Scholarship
Up to two $1,000 Chef Valerie Soon Legacy Scholarship
NEW One $1,000 Gia Pastion Scholarship
One $2,000 Terry Threlfall Legacy Scholarship
There are three scholarships open year-round dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBTQ2+ community and family members of the industry workers.
Two $1,000 Indigenous Hospitality Scholarship
One $1,000 LGBTQ2+ Hospitality Scholarship
One $1,000 Industry Scholarship for children of hospitality related industry workers
Click here for more information on the BCHF scholarship program.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
BCHA Virtual Event: How to Welcome LGBT+ Travellers, February 15
Join the BC Hotel Association and discover how to thoughtfully welcome the LGBT+ community to your property. The BCHA will be joined by Loren Christie, Director of Business Development & Strategy at Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), who will outline actionable tactics to create a safe space at your property and showcase how to market your efforts. Beyond the obvious importance of making your property safe for staff, guests, and community members, learn how to tap into the global LGBT+ travel market which spends over US$200 Billion annually.
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Restaurants Canada Webinar: Single-use Plastics Prohibition, February 16
With the Canadian Government’s Single-use Plastics Prohibition underway, and the ban on the sale of certain single-use plastics starting in December 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada will join Restaurants Canada to discuss tactics to enable businesses to move away from the use and distribution of single-use plastic takeaway items.
Webinar attendees will:
Learn the fine details of the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, including the targeted items and implementation timelines
Get a sense of how the prohibition will impact you
Become aware of available information and resources to help you prepare for compliance
Get insight on the federal government’s approach to enforcement
Discuss approaches to selecting alternatives, with a focus on reuse options
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023
Time: 11:00 am-12:00 pm pst
2023 Best Sommelier BC Competition, February 17
The annual BC Best Sommelier Competition, run by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers British Columbia Chapter (CAPS BC) brings together the region's best talent and brightest minds in wine to tackle a rigorous written exam and a hands-on practical test that will put the top finishers through their paces.
The candidates will sit for the morning's exam, and the top three scorers will move on to be tested further at the live competition. They will be tasked with all sorts of practical wine service challenges, like decanting, sparkling wine service, menu pairing, spotting errors on a wine list, and blind tasting/identification.
When: Monday, February 27, 2023, 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Where: Rogers Arena
Tickets: $15 for non-CAPS members and FREE for CAPS members.
ABLE Member Webinar: ABLE BC’s New Member Portal, February 23
To help you get acquainted with the new member portal, we're hosting a member webinar on February 23. In this webinar, we'll give you a tour of the new portal, preview further improvements to come, and answer any questions you might have.
If you have questions or feedback about the member portal you want to see addressed in the webinar, please send these to ann@ablebc.ca.
Webinar details:
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Location: zoom
BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference March 1-3
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) are excited to announce the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will return March 1-3, 2023.
The 2023 conference will take place in Prince George and will bring an array of unique industry speakers and topics relating to the next chapter of tourism and hospitality within our province.
Click here to learn more.
Empower Her, March 6 & May 4
WORTH Association and women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality in Vancouver will join for an evening of networking with an inspiring panel discussion. WORTH's Empower Her event aims to connect a community of leaders to expand their network and create meaningful relationships.
Vancouver’s top female tourism and hospitality leaders will share inspiring ideas with the intention of sparking dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace. Their perspectives will inform, inspire, and empower women to collectively identify ways to accelerate women to senior roles in the industry.
For more information on the March 6th Vancouver event, click here
For more information on the May 4th Whistler event, click here
Vancouver Cocktail Week March 5-11
Get your glamour on for the Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala! The signature event of Vancouver cocktail week will dazzle on March 11 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Tickets are now on sale for the gala as well as the dozens of other events to be held during the second annual Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist, March 5 to 11, 2023.
VCW 2023 itself kicks off with an elevated cocktail-paired brunch at Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim on March 5, then follows with dozens of ticketed events held in Vancouver’s top bars and restaurants.
They range from afternoon seminars to evening tastings, master classes, walking tours and more cocktail- and spirit-paired dinners than you can shake a cobbler at. And everyone should take part in the (unticketed) Cinq à Sept series of elevated happy hours that celebrate food, drink, art and community, many of them featuring guest shifts by out-of-town bartenders.
The Golden Era Gala promises to be a glamorous Prohibition-themed celebration of the city’s cocktail culture. It will be held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s gorgeous Pacific Ballroom and serves up live
music, a DJ, fine food, more than 40 premium spirits brands and, of course, cocktails specially crafted for the event by top bartenders from Vancouver and beyond.
Tickets for Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist, March 5 to 11, 2023, are now on sale.
Victoria IVSA Buyers’ Tasting Salon, NEW DATE & LOCATION
The Victoria IVSA Buyers’ Tasting Salon is coming up soon! RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca now to sample products from several liquor agents.
When: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm- 3:30 pm
Location: Marriott Inner Harbour, 728 Humbolt Street
RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca with your name, job title, and company
Western Community College’s 2023 Job Fair, March 23
Bringing BC's top talent to Surrey, BC! Expecting foot traffic of over 200 candidates, WCC's Job Fair for 2023 would help you find top graduates from WCC's best programs and potential walk-ins.
What do you get with your FREE ticket?
Expo booth + Entry For 2 People (We have chairs and tables covered for you!)
What should you bring?
Your hiring team ready to do on-the-spot interviews
Your company banners/logos/standees
When: Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Where: Newton Recreation Centre,
Tickets: Free!
Benefit Highlight: Foodbuy
Foodbuy is a long-time partner of ABLE BC, bringing our members big savings since 2016. Foodbuy secures rebates and deals for ABLE members by leveraging over $2B in purchasing power. They work with over 400 suppliers, 35,000 products, and a fast-growing portfolio of professional service partners to bring you savings on products and services you already order daily.
With Foodbuy, ABLE BC members will enjoy added revenues and savings above all other rebate programs! Keep your existing distribution agreements, vendors, and rebates. Let Foodbuy fill in the gaps with monthly rebate cheques.
Foodbuy is Canada's largest food service procurement organization with over $2B in purchasing power.
What you get when you sign-up for Foodbuy:
Specialized account management and premium customer service
Monthly rebate cheques
Customized programs
Transparent reporting available 24 hours/day
How Foodbuy works: no changes required!
Easily join Foodbuy - no cost to join, no term partnership required
Keep your distribution agreements with GFS or Sysco, order as usual!
Keep your vendors and existing rebates
Let Foodbuy fill in the rebate gaps. Foodbuy will work with you and your distributors to optimize purchases
Receive monthly itemized rebate cheques and reports
Click here to learn more about Foodbuy and ABLE BC.
Questions? Contact Martin Brochu at martin.brochu@foodbuy.ca or JJ Fraser at jj.fraser@foodbuy.ca
Celebrating our Industry
Congratulations to dual ABLE BC and BCHA member Chateau Victoria Hotel and Clives Classic Lounge! This Victoria staple has been named Whisky Hotel Bar of the Year by Whisky Magazines 'Icons of Whiskey'. With Lounge Manager Shawn Soole taking home Highly Commended for Bar Manager of the Year.
One of the first and only Canadian Bars to be listed in the Icons of Whisky!
We want to celebrate you! Is your business hosting a special event or fundraiser? Are you celebrating an anniversary or important milestone? Has someone on your team been promoted or completed a certification? Have you opened a new or renovated location?
Let us know about your special moments, your amazing teams, and the things you’re most proud of. We’ll share your achievements in our newsletter or our social channels.
Contact Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication, at ann@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560.
Out and About with ABLE BC!
We recently hosted one of our favourite annual events, the post-holiday reception at Steamworks Brewpub! We'd like to thank all our wonderful members who came out for the event and Steamworks for supplying beverages and Foodbuy for providing snacks.
Last week, we attended Vancouver's IVSA (Import Vintners & Spirits Association) salon, trying out new wines and spirits and connecting with members across the lower mainland. We're looking forward to the next IVSA coming up in March in Victoria! If you plan to attend, make sure to say hello to Ann.
Jeff has recently met with our nightclub members in Vancouver to discuss the Granville Entertainment District Revitalization, and the impact it will have on the nightclub scene in the city. We're thrilled that the City of Vancouver has approved plans for this project, and we want to extend our thanks to Mayor Ken Sim and the Vancouver council for their efforts.
Planning meetings have begun for the 2023 Spark Conference! Held by ABLE BC and BCHA, this conference is for liquor retailers, hospitality owners and managers, and hoteliers. If you or anyone in your organization has suggestions for session topics or would like to apply to be a speaker, please email info@ablebc.ca
In case you missed it, our Executive Director Jeff Guignard was in the news recently discussing the recent proposed changes to Canada’s drinking guidelines, and the revitalization of the Granville entertainment district:
Jan 17 Radio NL Kamloops: Excise Tax on Morning News with Jeff Andreas
Feb 1 Global News: Granville revitalization gets the green light
Feb 5 Kelowna Now: Tiny wines find home in BC's market, as Canadians consider reducing consumption
Thanks to Brad Kasselman for taking photos at our reception!
Join ABLE BC Today!
ABLE BC is the leading liquor advocacy organization in the province. We have a proven track record of success fighting for the interests of Liquor Primary and Licensee Retail Store businesses. We are dedicated to helping our industry come out of the pandemic stronger than ever!
We can’t do our work without the support of our members. ABLE is a non-profit organization and we depend on membership fees to continue to lobby and fight for your needs.
ABLE BC members have access to several benefit programs that offer exclusive discounts and are designed to help your business thrive. In addition to our benefit programs, we offer expert advice, regular webinars, the annual Liquor Industry Conference, and many networking opportunities.