World Cup Liquor Delivery and License Changes, BC Tourism Week, IVSA Spring Salons, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
April 16, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry:
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Join ABLE BC at the IVSA Spring Product Salons |
The Import Vintners & Spirits Association's Spring Product Salons return this April with two upcoming opportunities for the trade and hospitality community to taste what’s new and connect directly with import agents.
With 85% of participating agencies pouring at least two new SKUs, these salons offer buyers an early look at Spring/Summer releases across wine and spirits. It’s an efficient way to discover new products, build relationships with agents, and stay ahead of seasonal menus and retail demand.
Upcoming Dates & Locations
Vancouver
April 22 | 12:30 – 3:00 PM
The Vancouver Club
Langley
April 29 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Haven Kitchen + Bar
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Industry Collaboration & Advocacy
Last week, ABLE BC members and our Executive Director Bo Chen attended IVSA’s first industry salon of the season in Victoria. It was a strong start—bringing together import agents, private retailers, and hospitality operators to connect, sample new portfolios, and exchange insights. The level of collaboration across the industry was encouraging and a great reminder of the important role these relationships play in supporting BC’s liquor sector.
We also appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with government partners during the session with David Hume, Assistant Deputy Minister and General Manager of the LCRB. Hearing questions and perspectives from across the industry was valuable, and ABLE BC was able to raise key advocacy priorities on behalf of our members.
In particular, Bo engaged David Hume on industry’s shared concerns around the projected decline in liquor revenues in BC, emphasizing the vital role private retailers and hospitality operators play in supporting the province’s small business economy. He also called for continued collaboration between industry and government regulators to help strengthen BC’s economy—highlighting the need for a fair and consistent level playing field between government-operated and private stores when it comes to compliance and enforcement.
ABLE BC will be attending both the Vancouver and Langley salons and encourages members and their staff to join. Whether you're planning new cocktail programs, refreshing your wine list, or exploring seasonal retail opportunities, these events offer a valuable opportunity to connect and discover what’s next. |
ABLE BC with IVSA Executive Director Stacy Kyle and Assistant Deputy Minister & General Manager of the LCRB, David Hume |
World Cup: Reminder to Submit License Amendments |
With Vancouver set to take centre stage as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™, kicking off June 13, 2026, hospitality businesses across the region have a major opportunity ahead — and an important deadline to prepare for.
Some matches will begin as early as 9:00 am PST due to international broadcast schedules. View the Match Day Schedule here. Extending Licensed Hours
If you’re planning to open earlier, stay open later, or otherwise adjust your liquor service hours to accommodate match schedules, now is the time to submit your licence amendment application.
Applications must be approved before the event, and processing times can vary - so we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. If you’re looking to increase capacity and take advantage of summer crowds, this is also a great time to apply for a new patio under your Liquor Primary licence.
The LCRB and local governments are prioritizing FIFA-related applications and providing hands-on support to help licensees make the most of the economic opportunities related to the matches. For more information see LCRB's Liquor licensing guide for FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Need Help Navigating This?
We encourage you to contact Rebecca Hardin at Thrive Advisors. Book your complimentary consultation here. The City is also encouraging businesses to review the Community Activation Playbook, which outlines options for public viewing, permitting, event activations, and FIFA-related programming. |
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Vancouver Liquor Delivery Times During World Cup
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With Vancouver set to take centre stage as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™, hospitality businesses across the region have a major opportunity ahead — and an important deadline to prepare for. Liquor Delivery Times - Will Your Business Be Impacted?
In a collaborative effort between ABLE BC and BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLBD), we are reaching out to members and liquor hospitality operators in BC to help coordinate liquor delivery times for businesses that may be impacted by event-related road closures and events. Access the Community Activation Playbook (includes road closure info) HERE.
View the Match Day Schedule HERE.
If your business anticipates any challenges receiving deliveries, please email bo@ablebc.ca with your licence name, address, and your usual delivery days and times. |
BCRFA's Taste the Beautiful Game - BC Style Hub is Here |
The BCRFA Taste the Beautiful Game - BC Style hub is officially here!
As the world turns its eyes to our province, the BCRFA in alignment with the BC Craft Brewers Guild, Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC), and Wine Growers British Columbia, is helping restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues turn moments into packed rooms, full tables, and unforgettable experiences.
Inside the hub, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of it: - Ready-to-use marketing playbooks to drive traffic & visibility
- Watch party guidance to host high-energy, compliant game-day experiences
- Ideas to showcase BC food + drink (hello local wine, beer, ingredients)
- Clear provincial guidelines & compliance support so you stay covered
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Province-wide promotion through BCRFA + partner campaigns
- Opportunities for media, tourism, and partnership exposure
- Insights on safety, security, and operations during high-volume periods
This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our industry — and we’re making sure BC hospitality is ready to show up. Explore the hub, sign up for updates, and learn more! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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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BC Tourism Week: April 20-24, 2026 |
Tourism Week (April 20–24) is a province-wide and national celebration that brings together tourism partners, industry leaders, and supporters to spotlight the impact of tourism across BC.
It’s a chance to highlight the people, places, and businesses that make BC a world-class destination—and to recognize tourism’s role in driving local economies, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and enriching communities across urban, rural, and remote regions.
Tourism also plays a powerful role in fostering connection and cultural exchange. In BC, this includes supporting Indigenous-led tourism and strengthening relationships with First Nations communities through authentic storytelling and shared experiences. Aligned with national campaigns like #PoweredByTourism and #BCTourismWeek2026, this year’s celebration—led by Destination BC and TIABC—focuses on sharing perspectives from across the province through the theme “What I Wish People Knew” about BC’s tourism sector.
To support participation, Destination BC and TIABC have partnered to deliver a comprehensive BC Tourism Week Toolkit. This resource is designed to make it easy for businesses and organizations of all sizes to engage, celebrate, and amplify their stories throughout the week.
The toolkit includes: -
Key messaging to align and strengthen communications across the province
- A content calendar to guide daily engagement
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Social media-ready graphics for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
- Newsletter copy to support outreach to stakeholders and audiences
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Video assets to bring stories to life
- Fact sheets highlighting tourism’s economic and social contributions
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A downloadable Travel in BC Pledge to promote responsible and respectful travel across our province
It is a time to come together as an industry and celebrate achievements. By telling our stories and demonstrating our impact, we reinforce why tourism matters! |
New Funding: Strengthen Productivity in BC's Food & Beverage Sector |
Program is open from March 25, 2026, until fully subscribed The BC Government has launched the Processor Productivity Program (PPP) to help food and beverage processors improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive. The program is offered in two phases and combines practical support with cost‑share funding.
Phase 1 – Lean training and on‑site operational assessment:
Participating businesses receive multi-day, industry‑focused Lean training, hands‑on assessments, and expert 1:1 guidance to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve workflow. Phase 2 – Cost‑share funding:
Eligible participants who successfully complete Phase 1 may apply for cost‑shared funding to implement approved productivity improvements identified through their Phase 1 assessment. |
Image Credit: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters |
The program is delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Learn more and apply at:
FOOD PROCESSOR PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM — CME For questions, please contact: Mehdi Gohardehi Senior Lean Facilitator and Director of Food Processor Training Mehdi.Gohardehi@cme-mec.ca 236-660-7838 |
go2HR March 2026 Labour Market Update |
BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry experienced a decline in March, with employment decreasing from February levels. The labour force also contracted, indicating fewer people working in or seeking employment within the sector. While some regional and sector-specific gains were observed, overall employment and labour force levels remain below pre-pandemic benchmarks.
March’s labour market data reflects a 3.9 percent decrease in employment, falling to 324,500 from 337,500 in February. Employment remains 19,750 below March 2019 levels. The labour force declined by 2.3 percent to 353,250, remaining below pre-COVID levels, while the unemployment rate increased notably from 6.6 percent in February to 8.2 percent in March.
Key Highlights - Employment decreased by 3.9 percent to 324,500 in March.
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The tourism and hospitality labour force decreased to 353,250, remaining below March 2019 levels.
- The unemployment rate increased to 8.2 percent.
- Aggregate weekly hours worked increased to 9.08 million hours, up from 8.78 million in February, but still below pre-COVID levels.
- The share of workers employed full-time increased from 58 percent in February to 61 percent in March.
Regional Trends -
Employment increased in the Cariboo and Kootenay regions, while declines were recorded in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, and Vancouver Island.
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Tourism and hospitality employment in the Cariboo, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island regions was above March 2019 levels.
- Employment in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, and Thompson Okanagan regions remained below pre-COVID benchmarks.
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Regional unemployment rates ranged from 4.3 percent in the Kootenay to 15.0 percent in Northern BC.
Sector Performance -
Employment increased in the Food and Beverage sector, while Accommodation, Recreation and Entertainment, and Transportation and Travel sectors recorded declines from February to March.
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Recreation and Entertainment is the only sector above March 2019 employment levels, while Accommodation, Food and Beverage, and Transportation and Travel remain below pre-pandemic levels.
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The Transportation and Travel sector had the highest share of full-time workers at approximately 85 percent, compared to 46 percent in the Food and Beverage sector.
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Average hourly earnings ranged from $22 to $45 across sectors, with Transportation reporting the highest wages and Food and Beverage the lowest.
For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR’s Employment Tracker. |
BC Wine Month is your opportunity to Sip the Spring, and drive local engagement and sales.
This April, restaurants, liquor retailers, and hospitality partners across the province are invited to showcase BC wine through curated features, in-store highlights, and seasonal experiences that inspire discovery.
Now in its ninth year, proclaimed by the BC government, BC Wine Month is a proven initiative connecting your customers with the people, places, and stories behind BC wine, while supporting a vital part of our provincial economy.
From by-the-glass features and food pairings to retail displays and staff picks, participation is simple and flexible, designed to fit your business and your customers.
As demand for local continues to grow, BC Wine Month gives you a timely and compelling reason to engage. Join us. Feature BC wine. Share your story.
Access the BC Wine Month toolkit and get involved at WineBC.com, and amplify your participation by tagging @WinesofBC and using #BCWineMonth.
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Valued Partners of ABLE BC |
Our valued partners play a vital role in advancing our industry, and we’re proud to highlight their continued support. |
Cannabis Corner: Growing Support for 1KM Cannabis Store Separation in BC |
A cannabis retailer in Fort St. John is speaking out in support of a proposed one-kilometre separation distance between cannabis stores - an approach currently being explored by the province.
This aligns with ABLE BC’s ongoing advocacy. Establishing a consistent 1KM separation distance between cannabis retailers remains one of our top priorities, and we are encouraged to see growing support from both industry and government partners. Importantly, this support extends beyond urban centres—many cannabis retailers in rural and remote communities are also backing a province-wide approach.
As Bo Chen of ABLE BC shares:
“A consistent provincial separation distance between legal stores would be welcomed by cannabis retailers across BC. The 1KM rule provides financial stability and business certainty to existing stores (now over 500 in BC) that have invested into this sector and have been proactive partners in not only competing against the illicit market, but also in creating employment and helping drive our province’s economy.”
ABLE BC has been actively advocating for this change and will continue working alongside government and industry to support policies that strengthen the legal cannabis sector. |
go2HR on Tap: Mental Health First Aid Certification Training |
Following the success of our previous sessions, we’re excited to open registration for a new Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) cohort.
As a people leader in Tourism & Hospitality, you’re often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right, but knowing how to respond can feel uncertain.
With 1 in 5 Canadians experiencing a mental health challenge each year, building the confidence to recognize, respond, and support can make a meaningful difference in your day-to-day leadership.
go2HR’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification Training is designed to help you build that confidence with practical, real-world tools you can apply immediately. What You’ll Gain from This Training
Delivered virtually over two days (May 5–6, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM), this nationally recognized certification is valid for three years and combines expert guidance with scenario-based learning tailored to Tourism & Hospitality workplaces.
You’ll learn how to: - Recognize early signs of mental health or substance use challenges
- Start supportive, confident conversations
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Connect individuals to appropriate resources
- Respond effectively in crisis situations
- Apply strategies to support your own mental well-being
The session is facilitated by Beata Chami, Organizational Psychologist and certified MHFA instructor through the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
To support a highly interactive learning environment, this session is limited to 15 participants. Secure your spot early to avoid missing out! |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
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