Tariff turmoil, GST break ending soon, The Quarterly Pour award, and more ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: February 6, 2025 |
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| Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - A Message from ABLE BC on the Threat of Tariffs
- SPARK 2025: Only One Month Away!
- GST Holiday Tax Break (Bill C-78) Ends February 15, 2025
ABLE BC Has a New Address! Update Your Records
The Quarterly Pour Wins Best Association Trade Publication! Wine Growers BC Vintage 2024 & Crafted in BC Messaging BCHA Welcomes New President & CEO Paul Hawes
Reminder: LDB Inventory Count: February 6-9, 2025 TIABC One Minute Monitor: Tariff Survey - Amendments to Part 5 of the OHS Regulation
- Restaurants Canada Webinar: US Tariffs & Canadian Retaliatory Measures
What you'll find in every newsletter:
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A Message from ABLE BC on the Threat of Tariffs
As you know, this past week has been a whirlwind of uncertainty—not just for the liquor and hospitality industry, but for British Columbians and Canadians as a whole. The threat of US tariffs and federal and provincial retaliatory measures have already impacted our industry and your businesses. While we don’t know what will happen when the 30-day pause ends, you can be sure that ABLE BC will do everything we can to support our members and help you prepare for possible outcomes.
Yesterday, ABLE BC and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) hosted a virtual Industry Townhall. Nearly 150 liquor and hospitality industry professionals from across BC gathered to discuss how the Canada-US trade dispute is impacting our industries, what members need from their industry associations, and potential policy solutions we can push for that will have immediate and long-lasting effects.
While many expressed frustration and anxiety, what struck most was how resilient and determined businesses are to succeed despite this crisis. Most united around messages of BuyBC (encouraging your customers to purchase locally made products) and ByBC (highlighting products made in BC, even if materials are sourced from other locations). We discussed the need for urgent policy changes like licensee-to-licensee sales, and for the federal government to work with the provinces to break down interprovincial trade barriers.
We heard you need signage to explain to consumers why they may or may not see American products on your shelves or menus. We will work with industry partners, like Beer Canada, to provide clarifying information about products from US-owned brands that are produced entirely within Canada.
Later in the day, ABLE BC’s Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, President, Yvan Charette, and other members, staff, and Directors met with the Honourable Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General. We brought your concerns to him, made your needs clear, and we are pleased to report he understands the importance of strengthening the liquor and hospitality industry now, whether we are hit with tariffs in the future or not.
Rest assured, no matter what happens in the coming weeks, ABLE BC and our partner associations are here to fight for you.
Together, we are #TeamCanada If you have questions, please reach out to jeff@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC members & directors with Minister Garry Begg |
Did you know ABLE BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy for the private liquor and cannabis industries this year? Click below to learn more and help us celebrate! |
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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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SPARK 2025 Only One Month Away!
SPARK 2025 is just around the corner! Have you registered yet? |
What to expect at SPARK 2025 - Face time with senior leadership from the LCRB, Cannabis Secretariat & LDB.
- Practical solutions to increase profit margins and streamline retail operations.
- Effective strategies to tackle crime & public safety.
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Exclusive liquor & cannabis trends & data.
- Innovative ways to boost employee recruitment & retention.
- ABLE BC's latest updates on liquor & cannabis policy priorities.
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Book your accommodations for SPARK 2025
We have secured special rates at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre for delegates of SPARK 2025: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference and the BC Tourism Industry Conference!
Book your room before Monday, February 10, 2025, to access rates starting at $249+taxes. |
Member Price: $549 Log in to the Member Portal to secure your member rate. Non-Member Price: $649 Discounted Group Rates Available Save up to 25% when you register three or more people. That translates to a savings of $296 or more! Contact jesse@ablebc.ca to claim your group rate. |
GST Holiday Tax Break (Bill C-78) Ends February 15, 2025
The federal government’s GST Holiday Tax Break (Bill C-78) ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025. GST will be reapplied starting Sunday, February 16, 2025.
The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has shared the following memo: Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC) orders
Please keep in mind, the timing of GST relief is based on invoice date, not the order date. This means only those orders that are shipped from the distribution centre before 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, will have the relief applied (for eligible products). As usual, orders will be processed and shipped according to the regular shipping schedule.
Please note that the distribution centres will be closed for the annual inventory count from February 6 to 9, as previously communicated. Additionally, Web Store will be unavailable from 12 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 16 for an extended maintenance window to help facilitate the rollback of the GST Holiday Tax Break. WCC support
To help support customers following the rollback of the federal GST Holiday Tax Break, WCC will be extending its hours to be open on Sunday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please contact WCC if you have any questions regarding your orders: wholesalehelp@bcldb.com 604-775-0681, or 1-888-775-0681
Hospitality customers serviced by BCLIQUOR, WCC Victoria
Please remember that GST relief is applied at the point of sale, not upon order placement for hospitality customers. This means, GST relief will only be applied to eligible products that are paid in full and picked up by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
WCC Victoria will be open for regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and can be reached at wccvictoriainfo@bcldb.com or 250-356-2906
For additional information on the federal government GST Holiday Tax Break, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/child-and-family-benefits/gst-hst-holiday-taxbreak.html. For more information specific to the LDB, including previous memos and FAQs, see the GST Holiday Tax Break Resource section of the LDB Wholesale Operations website: https://wholesale.bcldb.com/resources/product-information. Please email GSTHoliday@bcldb.com if you have any questions. |
ABLE BC Has a New Address! Update Your Records
ABLE BC has a new home! We’re still in Vancouver but have relocated to 970-1050 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3S7. Make sure to update your records with ABLE BC’s new address.
We look forward to hosting you in our new office!
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The Quarterly Pour Wins Best Association Trade Publication!
We are thrilled to announce that The Quarterly Pour, the official publication of ABLE BC and produced by Joyce Hayne of EMC Publications, has won a Media Innovator Award from Innovation in Business! EMC Publications and The Quarterly Pour were recognized as Best Association Trade Publication 2024 – Canada.
Congratulations to Joyce, her publishing team, and ABLE BC’s Editorial Committee!
Thank you for your commitment to innovative and informative industry news. |
Wine Growers BC Vintage 2024 & Crafted in BC Messaging
Considering the July 25, 2024, BC provincial government announcement granting temporary relief for BC wineries to incorporate out-of-province grapes for the 2024 vintage, Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) has developed a strategic Communications and PR Plan and resource tools to support the wine industry through this transitional period.
It is important to note that WGBC remains committed to marketing and promoting 100% BC wine and BC VQA as the ultimate standard of quality and authenticity throughout this transitional period. |
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BCHA Welcomes New President & CEO Paul Hawes
Last week, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) announced Paul Hawes as their incoming CEO & President. Please join us in welcoming Paul!
Paul has held leadership positions with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Travel Alberta, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the Canadian Tourism Commission, Destination Greater Victoria, and most recently Explore Edmonton.
BCHA’s outgoing President and CEO, Ingrid Jarrett, is supporting Paul during the onboarding period to ensure a smooth transition to this exciting next chapter for the organization.
The teams at BCHA and ABLE BC are excited about the year ahead and invite you to give Paul a warm welcome by sending a note to paul@bcha.com. |
Reminder: LDB Inventory Count: February 6-9, 2025
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s annual inventory count will be held from Thursday, February 6 to Sunday, February 9, 2025. Distribution centres in Delta and Kamloops will be closed during this period and will not be filling orders.
The Wholesale Customer Centre will email impacted customers of any changes to their shipping schedule.
Victoria Wholesale Centre Customers:
Customers may place orders during the inventory count, but only products stocked in the WCC Victoria can be fulfilled until the count is complete. During this time, products fulfilled directly from the distribution centres and non-stocked wholesale product (NSWP) may be delayed.
The Wholesale Customer Centre in Victoria will be open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact the Wholesale Customer Centre Victoria at 250-356-2906 or wccvictoriainfo@bcldb.com Hospitality Customers Serviced by BC Liquor Stores:
Hospitality customers serviced by BCLIQUOR (BCL) stores may continue to place orders during the inventory count, but only products stocked in the store can be fulfilled until the count is completed.
During this time, products fulfilled directly from the distribution centres and non-stocked wholesale products (NSWP) may be delayed.
Contact LDB Wholesale Operations at 604-775-0681, 1-888-775-0681, or wholesalehelp@bcldb.com
Vancouver Wholesale Customer Centre Customers:
You may place orders during this period; however, 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 5, 2025, until operations resume on Monday, February 10, 2025. Returns will not be processed from Monday, February 3, 2025, to Monday, February 10, 2025, inclusive. During the inventory count at the LDB distribution centres, and those at third-party warehouses, you may experience a delay in receiving non-stocked wholesale products (NSWP).
Your location’s order time or delivery day will not be impacted by the annual inventory count, unless you receive a separate notification email from WCC Vancouver advising of any changes.
The Wholesale Customer Centre will be open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact the Wholesale Customer Centre at 604-775-0681, 1-888-775-0681, or wholesalehelp@bcldb.com |
TIABC One Minute Monitor: Tariff Survey
The Tourism Industry Association of BC’s (TIABC) One Minute Monitor is a short survey deployed as necessary to help TIABC better understand industry’s views on pressing issues and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.
This One Minute Monitor survey focuses on the impact of cross-border tariffs.
Confidentiality notice: TIABC respects the confidentiality of the data provided and therefore will not publish responses by any individual or organization. All responses are anonymous and will be reported in aggregate only. |
Amendments to Part 5 of the OHS Regulation
As of February 3, 2025, amendments to Part 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation, relating to emergency planning for hazardous substances, are in effect. These amendments broaden and enhance existing requirements to minimize risks to workers and other persons posed by emergencies involving hazardous substances. Updated OHS Regulation and OHS Guidelines
WorkSafeBC has updated sections 5.97 to 5.104 of the OHS Regulation, as well as related sections of the OHS Guidelines.
New and revised guidelines are posted for a 60-day preliminary period, during which time stakeholders can give feedback and request revisions by visiting the Current Public Hearings & Consultations page. Emergency planning: Inventory of hazardous substances template
As an employer, you’re required to maintain an inventory of hazardous substances at your workplace that could endanger people in an emergency. You can use the Emergency planning: Inventory of hazardous substances template to create your hazardous substance inventory. Emergency planning: Risk assessment template
You’re also required to assess and document the risk that any hazardous substances would pose in your workplace if there was an emergency. The Emergency planning: Risk assessment template includes key questions for you to consider as you conduct your risk assessment for the substances you identified in your inventory.
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Restaurants Canada Webinar: US Tariffs & Canadian Retaliatory Measures
Restaurants Canada invites you to join their upcoming Economic Update: US Tariffs & Canadian Retaliatory Measures on Tuesday, February 18 at 8:00 am.
The recent 30-day pause on the U.S.-led tariffs provides a critical but temporary window for our industry to assess our supply chains, pricing strategies, and market positioning. As negotiations between Canada and the U.S. continue, how can your business prepare for potential trade shifts, new tariffs, and retaliatory measures? |
Ask an Expert: Advice for Offering Bottle Service
Did you know that as of January this year, Liquor Primary businesses can offer their patrons bottle service?
ABLE BC is proud to have won this permission for our hospitality members, but we understand that implementing bottle service can be challenging. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) outlines the terms and conditions you must follow, but when it comes to the specifics of applying those terms and conditions in a way that work best for your establishment, we recommend you work with an ABLE Expert.
Rebecca Hardin and her team at Thrive Advisors are here to help you put together a bottle service plan that ensures your establishment upholds the terms and conditions of your licence, supports your team, and offers your patrons an unforgettable VIP experience.
Book a consultation with Rebecca today! |
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Interested in becoming an ABLE Expert? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca to learn more. |
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Cannabis Corner: StratCann's Growing Relationships Event in Mission, BC
StratCann’s Growing Relationships is a must-attend, one-day B2B event bringing together cannabis retailers, producers, and service providers for meaningful networking, brainstorming, and learning.
With a focus on accessibility and fostering connections, this event is designed to help cannabis professionals thrive by building relationships, sharing insights, and driving innovation.
As an Event Partner, we’re excited to support this BC event featuring signature networking sessions and roundtable discussions that tackle industry challenges and generate actionable insights for key stakeholders.
Event Details: - Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
- Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
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Location: Mission Springs Brewing Company - 7160 Oliver St., Mission, BC
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Cost: A limited number of discounted & complimentary tickets are available to ABLE BC members! Contact bo@ablebc.ca to claim yours.
Join us and be part of the conversation shaping the future of BC’s cannabis industry! |
go2HR on Tap: Navigating Uncertainty – Keeping your Team Safe & Confident
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.
Working in pubs, bars, and liquor or cannabis stores is fast-paced and rewarding, but also comes with unique challenges—from handling difficult customers to ensuring staff safety during late shifts. A strong safety culture helps protect your team, improve customer interactions, and create a better work environment for everyone.
Key Strategies for a Safer Workplace -
Recognize Risks: Train staff to identify potential hazards, from aggressive behaviour to unsafe work conditions. Clear safety protocols and risk assessments help prevent incidents before they escalate.
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Master De-escalation: When tensions rise, calm communication, neutral body language, and redirecting the situation can prevent conflicts from escalating. Avoid defensive language or ultimatums that may aggravate the situation.
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Prioritize Personal Safety: Encourage staff to position themselves near exits, use check-in systems when working alone, and leave situations that feel unsafe.
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Respond to Intoxication & Mental Health Concerns: Teach employees to approach individuals with respect and compassion, offer practical assistance, and involve additional support when needed.
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Leverage Workplace Resources: Safety training, incident reporting, and debriefing procedures help staff feel prepared and supported. Consider additional training on de-escalation and crisis response.
By fostering a culture of safety and respect, you protect your staff, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen your business. When your team feels confident and supported, everyone wins.
Want some help with Workplace Psychological Health and Safety? Get in touch with our consultant today!
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
This past week has brought uncertainty and fear as US tariffs loomed and retaliatory measures were implemented, then quickly paused. While the 30-day pause gives us time to breathe and begin preparations for possible outcomes, many questions remain unanswered. We hosted an Industry Townhall yesterday to discuss the impacts to industry and how ABLE BC can support our members. Thank you to everyone who attended! We will continue to provide updates as necessary and fight to protect your businesses.
With the threat of tariffs still very much alive, we will be sure to include sessions and speakers who can provide insight and clarity on trade issues at SPARK 2025. If you haven’t registered yet, what are you waiting for? This conference is the best way to stay connected to the private liquor and cannabis industry, ensure your business stays ahead of the curve, and play a role in shaping the regulatory landscape in BC.
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In case you missed it, ABLE BC appeared in the following media recently: -
February 5, CTV News: Push to remove interprovincial trade barriers hits high gear
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February 3, Global News: US booze to return in BC, but industry remains shaken by Trump tariff near-miss
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February 2, CTV News Vancouver: Empty shelves at BC Liquor stores as American booze pulled in response to tariffs
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January 31, CBC: Canadian booze-makers hope US tariff threats help smash trade barriers at home
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January 27, Global News: Pause on US alcohol imports could hurt BC businesses
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January 27, Global News: Concerns about plan to pause US alcohol sales
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January 26, CBC: BC premier's suggested ban on American alcohol draws mixed reactions
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January 25, CBC: Suggested ban on US liquor would hit hospitality hard, licensee association says
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January 24, MyPGNow: BC's proposed counter-tariffs likely to cause harm to liquor licensees, trucking industry
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: - Growing Relationships, Mission, February 10
- RC Webinar: US Tariffs & Canadian Retaliatory Measures, February 18
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Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 22-March 2
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Bourgogne Wines Industry Tasting, Vancouver, March 3
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SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference, Vancouver, March 5
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BC Tourism Industry Conference, Vancouver, March 5-7
- WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver, March 11
- Victoria Cocktail Week, April 13-20
- BCHA Summit, Vancouver, April 22-23
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