Renew your membership, register for a liquor industry meeting, and more ----------------------------------------------- |
|
|
Liquor Industry Update: August 22, 2024 |
|
|
Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: Renew Your ABLE BC Membership You're Invited! September Liquor Industry Meetings Canada's rail system shuts down Updates to liquor delivery requirements Application portal to temporarily relocate LRS licences now live Update on WorksafeBC assessable payroll -
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
|
|
Renew Your ABLE BC Membership
ABLE BC memberships expire on August 31, 2024. Members can renew by logging into the Member Portal and following the renewal instructions posted on the dashboard. If you have questions about your renewal, don't know how to log into the Member Portal, or would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact David Lough, Manager of Membership Services, at david@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560 ex. 3.
ABLE BC may be a small, non-profit organization, but that doesn’t stop our relentless advocacy for business owners in the private liquor industry. We are your united voice, and we make a strong impact on government. ABLE BC is your seat at the table, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed by government. Since September 2023, we: - Hosted an industry reception for both liquor and cannabis members, with special guest Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
-
Hosted a 20th anniversary celebration with special guests Minister Farnworth and Minister Bailey.
-
Spoke on a panel at the LCRB staff conference to impress on LCRB staff the challenges facing licensees today and suggest ways they can help ease pressure on your businesses.
-
Won the allowance for LRS licensees to temporarily relocate during significant renovation, with respect to the 1 km rule.
-
Successfully advocated to increase the licensee transfer limit to $100,000 annually. This was a major win that took years of dedicated advocacy work. We will continue to push for a higher transfer amount.
-
Won several long-overdue policy changes for Vancouver LPs, including removing distance requirements, removing the moratoria on new liquor establishments, harmonizing closing hours, and more.
-
Worked with BC Liquor Stores (BCL) to create a new Hospitality Handbook (coming this fall) to improve the ordering process for hospitality (LP & FP) members.
-
Pushed back on biased and misleading information on healthy drinking guidelines from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CCSA), and joined the Canadian Association for Responsible Drinking (CARD) and International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) Global Standards Coalition.
- Hosted a webinar with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) on the Minors as Agents Program (MAP).
-
Tackled unfair BCL retail practices and illegal inter-provincial retailing from Alberta liquor retailers. Help us continue this work by using the reporting tools on our website.
-
Created new member resources including new due diligence resources, an FAQ on provincial and federal single-use plastic regulations, and the 2024 Liquor Industry Benchmark Report. These resources are available for free in the Member Portal.
- Played a key role in capping excise duties at 2% for an additional two years.
-
Advocated to extend the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan reimbursement deadline. Government heard our concerns and extended the repayment deadline, though we were disappointed that the forgivable portion was only extended to January 28, 2024.
We are only able to do this work because of the support of our members. Put simply, ABLE BC does not exist without your membership dues.
Your support is critical to our industry’s success. Prompt payment of your membership dues will enable us to continue our track record of successful advocacy for BC’s private liquor industry through the year ahead.
Have an advocacy issue you’d like ABLE BC to champion? Email jeff@ablebc.ca. |
You're Invited! September Liquor Industry Meetings The ABLE BC team is going on the road again! Join us for a Liquor Industry Meeting in your community throughout September. Liquor Industry Meetings are free to attend and open to owners, managers, and staff from any business in the private liquor industry. We are delighted to extend an invitation to all bars, pubs, hotels, liquor stores, manufacturers, and agents nearby. No need to be an ABLE BC member to attend! These meetings are for you if you want to learn more about: Come learn about ABLE BC memberships, key issues we’re focusing on, and how you can get more involved in shaping BC’s private liquor industry.
We look forward to meeting you face-to-face to hear about the issues that matter most to you and your businesses! |
Want to host a liquor industry meeting in your community? Contact david@ablebc.ca to let us know! |
|
|
BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health The Canadian Mental Health Association has created a resource hub for employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter
Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for cannabis retailers. Click here to read past cannabis newsletters. |
| ABLE BC Member Portal The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact david@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
|
|
Canada's rail system shuts down amid labour dispute, disrupting economy
For the first time in Canadian history, freight traffic on Canada’s two largest railways has simultaneously ground to a halt, upending fragile supply chains still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions and a port strike last year.
“This shutdown is shockingly irresponsible and will cause serious damage to Canada’s economy, our industry, and our small business community,” said Jeff Guignard, Executive Director of ABLE BC, who noted that the two companies haul about $1 billion in goods each day.
Despite nearly a year of negotiations, early this morning Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. locked out 9,300 engineers, conductors, and yard workers after the parties failed to agree on a new contract with the Teamsters union.
The Conference Board of Canada estimates a two-week rail stoppage would cause a $3-billion drop in Canada’s nominal gross domestic product. Households would see a $1.3-billion loss in wages while business profits would fall by $1.25-billion.
Today, ABLE BC is joining a chorus of business groups calling on the federal government to take immediate action to end the labour dispute as quickly as possible. To support our plea, please write to federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon and your local Member of Parliament to ask that they end this dispute as quickly as possible.
|
Update to liquor delivery requirements
Earlier this week, the LCRB released Bulletin 24-10: Updates to liquor delivery requirements.
Liquor licensees must now ensure any individual delivering liquor on their behalf is Serving It Right (SIR) certified, including employees or third-party delivery drivers. When a licensee wants to use a third-party delivery service to deliver liquor, the licensee should confirm: - the delivery service provider requires their drivers that deliver liquor are SIR certified,
- the delivery service only sends liquor orders to drivers that are SIR certified,
-
the delivery service provider ensures drivers are familiar with the additional terms, and conditions for delivery drivers (e.g., not delivering to intoxicated persons and complying with age verification requirements).
Once the licensee confirms these measures are in place, they do not have to check every driver’s SIR certification when orders are picked up for delivery.
Licensees should ensure the SIR requirement for delivery drivers is documented in their agreements with third-party delivery service providers. However, licensees are not required to keep SIR records for third-party delivery drivers. Common carriers (e.g., Canada Post, FedEx) are exempt from the requirement to be SIR certified. Additionally, delivery services are not required to deliver liquor on the same day it is purchased.
Previously, only Food Primary and Liquor Primary licensees selling liquor with a meal for delivery were required to confirm SIR certification for delivery providers. |
Application portal to temporarily relocate LRS licenses now live
The online application to temporarily relocate a Licensee Retail Store licence is now available in the liquor and cannabis licensing portal. Learn more about how to apply. In July of this year, the LCRB announced LRS licensees are now able to apply for a temporary relocation of their store for up to five years while significant alterations (e.g., renovation, reconstruction) are made to their original location. |
Update on WorkSafeBC assessable payroll
Thanks to the good work of our industry partners at the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) and Restaurants Canada, Worksafe BC has paused plans to include direct tips as part of your assessable payroll. WorksafeBC’s decision to include direct tips unilaterally would have led to substantial increases in a businesses’ annual fees.
While our associations work together to find a long-term solution, we are happy to report that WorkSafeBC has heard industry’s concerns and any changes at this time have been paused.
According to WorkSafeBC:
"BCRFA, Restaurants Canada, and WorkSafeBC met on August 6 to discuss their recent update to a Practice Directive regarding assessable payroll and the definition of tips and gratuities. It was a productive meeting where we were able to articulate the many issues restaurant owners face in today’s post-pandemic climate. WorkSafeBC understands that any change for our industry can be disruptive, and they are willing to continue to work with us on options moving forward. WorkSafeBC has agreed to pause the implementation of the updated Practice Directive while we explore those options."
|
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
As part of the StrongerBC Future Ready Action Plan, government introduced the future skills grant program to support British Columbians, aged 19 or older, in accessing up to $3,500 in short-term skills training, aligned with skills and labour market demands as identified in BC’s Labour Market Outlook.
Starting Fall 2024, institutions are offering programs to equip learners with job-related skills to increase their productivity and advance in their careers. Choose from a list of over 300 programs and start training in September 2024. Registration for the fall 2024 semester is now open! |
|
|
Ask an Expert:
Optimize your Pub with Foodbuy
Check out this section of every Liquor Industry Update for helpful tips and educational articles from ABLE Experts! This week, learn how Foodbuy Canada can help optimize your pub and increase your profits.
Streamline Your Procurement with Foodbuy Canada
Managing a successful bar or pub involves juggling numerous tasks, from sourcing ingredients to maintaining quality and consistency. The complexities of procurement and supplier negotiations can be overwhelming. Foodbuy Canada simplifies these processes, enabling you to focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Benefits of Being a Foodbuy Member
As a Foodbuy member, you enjoy consistent savings, including monthly rebate cheques and access to negotiated discounts on over 36,000 SKUs from 400+ suppliers. Our dedicated procurement professionals reduce your administrative burden, allowing you to save time and money. Flexible distribution solutions let you work with your preferred distributors, ensuring you always have what you need. Plus, Foodbuy’s chefs and experts enhance your culinary program, while our on-demand reporting tools provide insights to optimize procurement and track performance.
Comprehensive Purchasing Programs
Foodbuy offers tailored procurement programs, supporting sustainable, local, and regional initiatives, along with essential services from equipment to sanitation. |
|
|
Cannabis Corner: Your Input Needed on Cannabis Sales at Events
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has requested input from ABLE BC and our members on cannabis sales at events.
As you may already know, we have been advocating on your behalf for a Special Event Permit (SEP) specific to the cannabis industry, and we are pleased to see progress from our government partners. Since we began this work, the province has allowed the promotion of cannabis-friendly spaces and the consumption of cannabis on public patios where smoking and vaping tobacco is already permitted.
Now, the LCRB is exploring a policy framework for cannabis sales at events. ABLE BC has prepared a proposal we will submit to the LCRB this month. To ensure our proposal is informed by industry perspective, we are engaging with members and other cannabis retail stakeholders.
Contact Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Membership, at bo@ablebc.ca to let us know your thoughts on cannabis sales at events, how access to a cannabis SEP would impact your business, and any specific requirements you feel should be included. |
Bo Chen, Jeff Ring (LDB Cannabis), Feven Berhane (KushKlub), Jeff Guignard, Gayle Corah (LDB Cannabis), Tyson Turner (LDB Cannabis) |
go2HR on Tap: Navigating Workplace Injuries & Supporting Worker Recovery
go2HR is a regular contributor to the ABLE BC Liquor Industry Update newsletter, providing tips and guidance on current HR trends, new legislation, employee recruitment and retention, and more. To read the latest instalment, sign in to the member portal or sign up for the newsletter.
Workplace injuries can occur despite our best efforts to maintain a healthy and safe environment. In the service and hospitality sector, 35% of serious injury claims are due to slips, trips, and falls, according to WorkSafeBC. When a workplace injury occurs, it’s crucial to act immediately: administer first aid, secure the area, and contact emergency services if necessary. Additionally, compile accurate incident documentation (time, location, and witness accounts) to meet WorkSafeBC reporting requirements and when carrying out internal investigations.
Remember, employers must report certain injuries to WorkSafeBC within three days using Form 7 (including injuries that involve lost time, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness). Timely reporting helps employers avoid penalties and ensures workers get the support they need.
Equally important is facilitating a timely and smooth return to work. Creating a structured return-to-work program is more than just a legal obligation—it’s key to supporting your workers’ physical and psychological recovery and keeping your operations running smoothly. A return-to-work program benefits both the worker and employer by promoting faster recovery, maintaining productivity, and reducing costs associated with lost time.
go2HR’s team of health and safety experts are on hand to help you navigate this complex topic. Request a free Health & Safety Consultation today for tailored support, and visit our Injury Management page for more information and helpful resources on this topic.
go2HR, the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of resources to support you. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees with health and safety at safety@go2HR.ca.
|
Out and About with ABLE BC While summer is a busy time for BC’s liquor and hospitality businesses, the work never stops at ABLE BC either.
To advance your interests, ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, meets regularly with elected representatives and senior government officials. Most recently, Jeff met with the City of Vancouver’s Chief Licensing Inspector, and senior leadership at the LCRB—including the new Deputy General Manager of Licensing, Pamela Renwick. Earlier this week, he also sat in on an LCRB Compliance Meeting in support of a Kootenay Rockies licensee.
Jeff also had a chance to catch up on a patio with former ABLE BC Director Patrick Greenfield (Queen’s Cross and The Wicklow), and our insurance partners at Western Financial Group. In case you missed it, ABLE BC appeared in the following media recently: |
|
|
Minister Farnworth at ABLE BC's 20th Anniversary Party |
|
|
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: -
StratCann Kootenay Cannabis Farm Tour, Nelson, August 31
- Burnaby Liquor Industry Meeting, September 3
-
Coquitlam Liquor Industry Meeting, September 4
- Richmond Liquor Industry Meeting, September 5
-
Surrey Liquor Industry Meeting, September 6
- Pitt Meadows Liquor Industry Meeting, September 9
-
Victoria Liquor Industry Meeting, September 10
- IVSA Tasting Salon, Victoria, September 10
-
Abbotsford Liquor Industry Meeting, September 12
- Kelowna Liquor Industry Meeting, September 17
-
IVSA Tasting Salon, Kelowna, September 17
- Chilliwack Liquor Industry Meeting, September 23
-
North Vancouver Liquor Industry Meeting, October 7
- Vancouver Liquor Industry Meeting, October 8
- IVSA Tasting Salon, Vancouver, October 8
|
|
|
|
