GST Relief on Food & Alcohol, ID Checking Guides, SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference, and more ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: December 12, 2024 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - Holiday Message from ABLE BC's Executive Director
- Bill C-78: Tax Break for All Canadians
- GST Relief Signage for LRSs and LPs
- WORTH Academy: Last Chance for Lower Mainland Leaders
- BCHA Industry Update: Trends, Performance, and the Road Ahead
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Become a SPARK Sponsor
- Order Your 2025 ID Checking Guides
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Holiday Message from ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard Happy holidays from ABLE BC! As we prepare to bid farewell to 2024 and hello to 2025, the team and I wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday season.
While December is a great time catch up with friends and colleagues, it’s also industry's busiest period. Our hospitality, liquor retail, and cannabis retail members have all experienced welcome increases in sales, as well as a much-needed boost from Taylor Swift’s three sold-out shows in Vancouver.
This year feels particularly hectic as we prepare to implement the federal GST holiday, beginning Dec. 14. Over the past month, we’ve spent countless hours working with the CRA, LDB, and various POS providers to ensure industry is as ready as can be. If you still have questions, please see our up-to-date FAQ or contact me directly at jeff@ablebc.ca.
We’ve also been busy meeting BC’s newly elected provincial Ministers and MLAs, including at the BC Chamber of Commerce’s annual Premier and Cabinet lunch. It was a pleasure chatting with so many ministers who showed up to hear directly from the leaders of BC’s business community. Given that small business confidence is at a record low in BC, I was pleased to hear Premier David Eby speak passionately about growing our economy and acknowledging that, “For British Columbia to succeed, we need British Columbia’s businesses to succeed.”
Lastly, I’m happy to report that we enjoyed our first meeting with Minister Garry Begg, BC’s new Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. As Minister Begg is responsible for the LCRB and LDB, we raised important liquor industry priorities such as: 1) keeping convenience and big box stores out of liquor retailing, 2) halting illegal liquor sales from Alberta into BC, 3) supporting hospitality businesses by permitting licensee-to-licensee sales, and 4) reducing licensing timelines. Minister Begg seemed particularly well informed about the financial challenges of BC’s cannabis retailers, and expressed a sincere desire to make effective policy changes that will support industry’s growth. We're looking forward to working closely with him in the months ahead.
A few final housekeeping notes. Because of holiday closures, our next Industry Update e-newsletters will be published Dec. Dec. 19 and Jan. 9, 2025.
Our offices will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 as the team takes time to celebrate the holidays and New Year with our families. Should something urgent arise, you can always contact me directly at jeff@ablebc.ca. |
Bill C-78: Tax Break for All Canadians The federal government has passed legislation to temporarily relieve GST on food and some alcohol, Bill C-78 Tax Break for All Canadians Act. This bill requires that businesses remove GST from food, non-alcoholic beverages, and all wine, beer, and ciders, and spirit coolers up to 7% ABV from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. The legislation, passed in the House of Commons on November 28 and currently being debated in the Senate, clearly outlines which alcohol products are GST exempt. We understand many of you are frustrated, concerned, or unclear on the details of Bill C-78. We have compiled the most common questions from ABLE BC members, and we will continue to update our FAQ as we learn more.
We have been working with the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) about the affected SKUs and potential solutions to make updating your POS as smooth as possible. They have released a Qualifying Product List and other information, which you can access here.
Please refer to our FAQ for more detailed answers to your questions. You can read more about GST relief from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) here. |
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People Working Well
The CMHA BC and go2HR have created a resource for tourism and hospitality 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 jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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GST Relief Signage for LRSs and LPs
ABLE BC has created signage for private liquor stores and hospitality businesses to help you communicate to your customers about GST relief.
These signs are now available for free download in the ABLE BC online store. |
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WORTH Academy: Last Chance for Lower Mainland Leaders
The WORTH Association is running the final cohort of the WORTH Academy for self-identifying women in the Vancouver, Coast, and Mountains region. Applications close on December 20, 2024 – don’t miss out! |
BCHA Industry Update: Trends, Performance, and the Road Ahead
Join Ingrid Jarrett and the BC Hotel Association for an insightful update tailored to members and partners in the hospitality sector.
As we approach the close of 2024, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the trends shaping our industry and prepare for what lies ahead. This session will feature expert insights from Debbie Jager of STR, who will unpack key performance metrics from this year and offer a thoughtful forecast for 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, gain clarity, and position your business for success in the year to come. When: Friday, December 13th, 2024 | 11am - 12:30pm PDT Where: Online via Zoom |
Become a SPARK Sponsor
The return of SPARK brings valuable sponsorship opportunities for agents, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers. This is the event to connect directly with over 200 business owners, buyers, managers, and decision makers in BC's private liquor and cannabis industries.
All sponsorship packages include prominent logo placement in all conference materials, exclusive and customizable promotion options, complimentary SPARK registration, and endless opportunities to build your network, increase sales, and develop key relationships with leaders from cannabis and liquor businesses across BC.
Contact Jesse Sidhu, Manager of Membership & Events, at jesse@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560 ex 3 to become a SPARK sponsor now! |
Help us build a SPARK program that will elevate your hospitality or retail business. Fill out the SPARK Survey to let us know what issues, topics, and trends matter most to you.
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Registration for SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference is open!
Early bird rates are now available for ABLE BC members and non-members. Register before January 10, 2025, to secure the best price for BC's premier liquor and cannabis conference. |
Member Rates Early Bird: $395 | Regular: $549
Log in to the Member Portal to secure your member rate.
Questions about the portal or ABLE BC memberships? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca.
Non-Member Rates Early Bird: $495 | Regular: $649
All liquor, cannabis, tourism, and hospitality industry members are welcome! |
Order Your 2025 ID Checking Guides
The NEW 2025 North American ID Checking Guide and NEW 16th Edition International ID Checking Guide are now available to order through ABLE BC.
Place your order before January 10, 2025, to secure our group buying discount! |
ID Checking Guides help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver’s licenses and ID cards – your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats. |
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Ask an Expert: Union Decertification
Ryan Anderson, ABLE BC’s employment law expert and Partner at Mathews Dinsdale is back to continue his Ask An Expert series on unionization. This week, Ryan explains the steps employees can take to remove a union from their workplace.
Decertification
Decertification is the process of removing a union from a workplace. Decertification cancels the union’s representation rights and, if there is a collective agreement, it will be cancelled.
Typically, when a majority of all unionized employees no longer wish to be represented by a union, they will apply for a “full decertification.” If there are multiple locations that are all part of the same bargaining unit, then a majority of unionized employees at all of the locations must apply for full decertification at the same time. If only certain employees at one location in a multi-location bargaining unit wish to become non-union, then they could apply for a “partial decertification.” Applications for partial decertification trigger additional considerations and are often more difficult, though not impossible, to achieve.
How does it work?
An application for decertification can be submitted after 12 months have passed since the union was first certified. An employee representative must file an application with the Labour Board, along with evidence that at least 45% of employees affected by the application have signed revocation forms confirming their desire to remove the union. When the Board confirms that an application meets the necessary requirements, it will advise the union and the employer, and then hold a secret ballot vote. The vote will be held within five days of the application date and all employees affected by the application will be permitted to cast a ballot.
If a majority of voting employees support decertification, the Board will issue an order confirming that the union no longer represents those employees and the collective agreement will no longer apply to them.
Hands off!
Decertification efforts must be initiated and led by employees independently. Employers are prohibited from aiding in the decertification process. Employer involvement may lead to the rejection of the application.
Be sure that your managers know the rules – they cannot promote decertification or help employees with their application. For example, don’t counsel or encourage employees to decertify, don’t let them use your photocopier or email system, or let them meet in your boardroom or during working hours. Stay hands off! If the Board dismisses an application due to improper employer involvement, the employees will be prohibited from applying again for 12 months.
What can managers do if unionized employees ask for help with decertification?
Managers should always be responsive to questions from employees about decertification. You can direct them to third-party resources, as well as the Labour Board website, where they can find accurate information and guidance concerning the decertification process.
Discussions about decertification can be delicate and need to be carefully coordinated. There are ways to engage with your employees to lawfully ensure they have access to the resources they need to exercise their rights. A keen understanding of the legal landscape in this area is required. That’s where the team at Mathews Dinsdale comes in. Reach out to Ryan Anderson at 604-638-2042 or randerson@mathewsdinsdale.com if you have any questions about unionization.
Interested in becoming an ABLE Expert? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca or click here to learn more.
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Interested in becoming an ABLE Expert? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca to learn more. |
Cannabis Corner: New GS1 Barcodes
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) and BC Cannabis Wholesale Operations are supporting a national change to barcode formats on licensed non-medical cannabis products. ABLE BC shared the GS1 Canada Barcode Readiness Survey in August 2024 to help prepare industry for the changes coming next year.
As of March 31, 2025, the LDB will authorize Licensed Producers to use the GS1 DataMatrix barcode on cannabis retail packaging.
Action Required: To avoid scanning issues, please confirm your hardware and software systems support the GS1 DataMatrix barcode. To help ensure you are prepared to handle products with the GS1 DataMatrix barcode, GS1 Canada have provided the following guidance: -
Scanner Readiness: Ensure your scanners can read GS1 DataMatrix symbols, which require two-dimensional scanning technology (such as camera or imaging-based scanners). Laser scanners that are commonly used for linear barcodes will not be able to read 2D barcodes like GS1 DataMatrix. Most scanners capable of reading GS1 DataMatrix can also scan linear barcodes such as GS1-128, GS1 DataBar Expanded, and UPC-A.
- System Compatibility: Confirm that your internal systems, including POS systems, are capable of receiving, storing, and processing the additional information encoded in GS1 DataMatrix, such as batch/lot numbers and packaging dates.
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the LDB Customer Experience Team at cannabis.customerexperience@bcldb.com or visit the GS1 Canada website. |
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go2HR on Tap: Enhancing HR with Technology
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.
First, some housekeeping – I’m not a robot. More specifically, I’m not Generative AI.
Second, if you feel mixed emotions about bringing new HR technology into the workplace, you’re not alone. From team communication platforms to “AI in the workplace” policies, choosing the right tech is all about finding tools that create positive change across the operational, financial, and human aspects of your business.
Third, we’re not AI experts. However, if you’re curious about it, there are groups that are. Check out Junction Creative Solutions and the Tourism AI Network. Both are trusted experts with fascinating insights from their direct work with tourism and hospitality clients across the province.
There are several useful HR applications of existing and emerging technologies that ABLE BC members might consider if they haven’t already. For example, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help businesses manage candidate applications. These systems are particularly effective when paired with Boolean-searchable candidate databases, allowing employers to find and engage “passive” candidates. (Tip: Many candidate databases are already available to employers with paid job postings on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn.)
Meanwhile, transcription tools like Otter.ai make it easy to capture audio content from virtual meetings. These tools can also generate session summaries and assign action items to participants. This is a huge time-saver, freeing up note-takers and simplifying meeting management. If you haven’t tried generative AI tools like ChatGPT, platforms like meta.ai are a great place to experiment. Visual content generation, for example, is a common first step for testing AI capabilities—and understanding its limitations. When it comes to your team, think “enhancement” over “replacement.” The right technology can free workers to focus on meaningful tasks to both them and your business, improving retention and job satisfaction.
go2HR’s team of Regional HR Consultants offers no-cost guidance to BC’s tourism and hospitality employers. They can help you explore workplace innovations, including technology and AI tools, to build strong workforces and create safe workplaces—delivering world-class tourism experiences across the province.
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.
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Out and About with ABLE BC December is always a busy and exciting time of meetings, industry events, and holiday receptions.
The ABLE BC team has been out and about this month meeting colleagues and friends at the BC Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Premier & Cabinet Luncheon, the IVSA’s Annual Festive Lunch, Destination Vancouver’s Annual Lunch, Downtown Van’s Holiday reception, and a Business in Vancouver event featuring Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim. We’ve also met directly with several MLAs and senior officials, including Solicitor General Garry Begg. |
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Jeff, Solicitor General Garry Begg, and Bo attending the BC Chamber of Commerce Premier and Cabinet Luncheon. |
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: - BCHA Industry Update, Virtual, December 13
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Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 22-March 2, 2025
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SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference, Vancouver, March 5, 2025
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BC Tourism Industry Conference, Vancouver, March 5-7, 2025
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WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver, March 11, 2025
- Victoria Cocktail Week, April 13-20, 2025
- BCHA Summit, Vancouver, April 22-23, 2025
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