Liquor Industry Update --------------------------------------------------------
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Liquor Industry Update:
April 18, 2024
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry:
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A Recap of ABLE BC’s Liquor Industry Meetings in the Okanagan
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You’re Invited! Celebrating ABLE BC’s 20th Anniversary
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LCRB Bulletins 24-02, 03, 04: Improved Visitor Experiences at Manufacturing Sites
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Apply Today! Securing Small Business Rebate Program (updated)
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April is BC Wine Month!
- Call to Submit Individuals for 'In Memoriam' Tribute at BCHA Summit
What you'll find in every newsletter:
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A Recap of ABLE BC's Liquor Industry Meetings in the Okanagan
Last week, ABLE BC Executive Director Jeff Guignard and Manager of Membership Services David Lough were joined by Martin Brochu of Foodbuy Canada on a tour of the Okanagan. Jeff and David hosted four liquor industry meetings over three days, meeting with over 50 licensees in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops.
These in-person liquor industry meetings are crucial to ABLE BC’s success. Not only are they a great way to build relationships and community among members, but they also play a key role in building our policy priorities.
A few concerns brought up in every city included wine in grocery, unfair BC Liquor Store retail practices like a lack of transparency around exclusives, and increased cost pressures of inflation and labour shortages.
Rest assured, the ABLE BC team is active on these issues, and we will continue to fight for our members’ needs.
While the trip was fast and focused on connecting with licensees in the Okanagan, Jeff and David did manage to fit in a bit of fun as well, enjoying a pint at local members’ pubs and maybe even indulging in a karaoke night.
“While our trip was a bit of a whirlwind - meeting dozens of members in four vibrant communities over the short span of three days - the nearly 700kms on the road were absolutely worth it,” says David. “There is no substitute for meeting with members, face to face, not only to fully understand their challenges and concerns but to also hear about what’s going right. It was great to see so many passionate businesspeople so clearly dedicated to building an even stronger industry."
If you didn’t get a chance to attend one of these meetings but would still like to discuss challenges you’re facing, the benefits of an ABLE BC membership, or if you’d like us to host a liquor industry meeting in your community, please reach out to David at david@ablebc.ca or Jeff at jeff@ablebc.ca.
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Top: Jeff presenting in Kelowna. Bottom left: Martin (Foodbuy), Ginger (go2HR), and members in Vernon. Bottom right: Jeff and members in Penticton.
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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.
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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 david@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in.
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You're Invited! Celebrating ABLE BC's 20th Anniversary
2024 is a big year for ABLE BC! While our history stretches back nearly 50 years to 1975 with the founding of the BC Neighbourhood Pub Owners’ Association, ABLE BC as it is known today was incorporated in March 2004.
20 years ago, the BC Liquor Licensees & Retailers’ Association (formerly the BC Neighbourhood Pub Owners’ Association), the BC & Yukon Hotels’ Association, and the BC Cabaret Owners' Association merged to create BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC). The new association united the voices of the province’s liquor licensees, creating a strong impact on government and ensuring our success when fighting for members’ needs.
Fast forward to today and ABLE BC’s mandate has remained the same: we advocate on behalf of liquor (and now cannabis retail) licensees with all levels of government for business-friendly policy and regulation.
Come celebrate 20 years of successful advocacy, industry empowerment, and protecting members' investments!
Party Details:
- Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
- Time: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
- Location: The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie Street, Vancouver
- Cost: free for members! Simply log in to the member portal to register at no cost. Non-members may register for $25.
Join us for a fun night of celebration, networking with industry colleagues and government officials, drinks and eats, and a pub quiz from IQ 2000 Trivia!
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LCRB Bulletins 24-02, 03, 04: Improved Visitor Experiences at Manufacturing Sites
Earlier this month, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) posted three new bulletins that allow manufacturers to enhance guest experiences:
- Bulletin 24-02: The LCLR is amended to authorize two types of areas under a picnic area endorsement: one sale area, and one or more consumption-only areas. A manufacturer may now sell and serve products by the glass in a picnic sale area.
- Bulletin 24-03: Manufacturers with an on-site store endorsement can now sell packaged liquor anywhere on the manufacturing site. Packaged liquor sales are not permitted in picnic consumption-only areas or in co-located businesses.
- Bulletin 24-04: Maximum individual sample sizes are removed from manufacturer Terms & Conditions, and limits of samples that may be sold to each patron per day have been increased. Packaged liquor sales from an on-site store are now permitted during a guided tour.
We understand these changes may feel like increased competition to some hospitality businesses. We assure you, these changes only affect manufacturers and are simply correcting outdated policies so that wineries, cideries, and breweries can offer a more streamlined guest experience.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Executive Director Jeff Guignard at jeff@ablebc.ca.
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Apply Today! Securing Small Business Rebate Program (updated)
Did you know the Province has made changes to the Securing Small Business Rebate Program based on feedback received from the business community? Program administrator, the BC Chamber of Commerce, announced that the application portal has re-opened and is now accepting applications until January 31, 2025.
Updates to the application process include:
- Removal of the requirement to provide proof of an insurance claim when applying for funding through the reparative stream of the program. Applicants are now required to simply provide the name of their insurance carrier and policy number.
- Permitting an applicant’s self-installation of reparative and/or preventative measures. If equipment is self-installed, the rebate will be for eligible equipment only and will not include the cost of internal labour.
- Removal of the requirement for the applicant to demonstrate there is vandalism in their community in order to be eligible for the preventative rebate.
- Removal of the application deadline of Feb. 29, 2024, for preventative and reparative applications in respect of crime and vandalism incidents that happened in 2023. Applications will now be accepted until the program ends in 2025.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will host an Application Info Session on Tuesday, May 7, 11:00 am-12:00 pm. Register today for this complimentary session and learn more about the program changes and how to apply for a rebate.
For more details and FAQs, please visit the program webpage here. If you have questions not answered in the FAQs, please contact the BC Chamber of Commerce at ssbr@bcchamber.org.
The BC Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
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April is BC Wine Month!
Did you know that this month is the seventh annual #BCWineMonth?
Wine Growers BC (WGBC) is celebrating the diversity and quality of BC wines all month long. Our wine industry is made up of dedicated growers and producers who have chosen this unique and diverse terroir to cultivate as their passion and profession. “While it’s not for the faint of heart, the results are stunning wines vintage after vintage, along with incredible experiences to be found in every region,” says Miles Prodan, WGBC CEO and President. “BC Wine Month is an opportunity to honour the hardworking people behind every bottle.”
The excitement of BC Wine Month will also be shared by pubs, liquor stores, and restaurants across the province. Find a Pour More BC partner near you.
For those looking to learn something new, the Wines of BC Ambassador Program is a series of educational courses exclusively focused on BC wine. Level One is an online certification course with valuable information on BC wine history, varieties, styles, unique climate, and food pairing expertise. Get certified now – $99 value offered complimentary (promo code BCWINE24) for BC Wine Month!
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Call to Submit Individuals for 'In Memoriam' Tribute at BCHA Summit
The BCHA Summit (May 1-2) will include a tribute to commemorate hospitality professionals who have passed away in the last year. We want to honour the legacies of individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector in BC.
Please help us celebrate the lasting impact of hospitality professionals by submitting individuals for this special tribute. Please send submissions to BCHA Communications Manager Gareth Allen-Symmons at communications@bcha.com by Thursday, April 25th.
Please include the following information:
- Full name
- Past titles and organizations
- Photo
- Short bio
The BCHA team thanks you for your support and participation in this meaningful and important commemoration.
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Cannabis Corner:
Webinar on Provincial Efforts to Address Illicit Cannabis Operations
In a recent ABLE BC cannabis membership survey, over 90% of participants indicated they would like to learn more about provincial efforts to address illicit cannabis operations. So we've invited the Community Safety Unit (CSU) to speak to our members about their work and how licensed retailers can help contribute to their efforts.
The CSU, under the Policing and Security Branch of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is responsible for compliance and enforcement under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA), with a focus on the illegal sale and production of cannabis.
CSU investigators carry out compliance and enforcement activities against illicit cannabis retailers and producers across the province.
The CSU operates investigations through a variety of reactive and proactive strategies, including complaints received from the public, government agencies, police, and legal market operators.
Meghan Oberg, Deputy Director of the CSU will join us on Tuesday, April 23rd at 2:00 pm for a webinar and Q&A session.
If you have questions about the CSU you'd like Megan to address, please send these to Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Memberships, at bo@ablebc.ca.
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go2HR on Tap:
Building an Inclusive Workplace Culture
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.
Imagine an inclusive workplace where you can bring your full self to work. A workplace where you feel welcome, have a sense of belonging, have capacity to engage and succeed, where everyone can thrive, contribute, and feel valued for their unique contributions, where you don’t have to hide parts of who you are or even pretend to be someone you aren’t. This would truly be an inclusive workplace.
Does your workplace look like that?
The January 2024 Telus Mental Health Index Report found that one in ten (10%) employees don’t feel valued and respected by workplace colleagues, and this group scored the lowest mental health scores. More than one in five (21%) employees do not perceive that their workplace is supportive. Building a truly inclusive workplace culture can take time and it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s never too late to start. Recognizing that your culture needs work is the first step.
Commitment and active involvement of senior leadership is essential when shifting an existing workplace culture. Culture change can be a challenging process and if you don’t have leadership support, your efforts will fall flat. Another key step is offering your employees the opportunity to learn. Training not only provides foundational knowledge and educates your employees on best practices but it also provides opportunities for professional growth and development. Get started today by signing up for go2HR’s introductory online training course: An Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for Tourism & Hospitality.
Learn more about the Benefits of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training here and visit go2HR’s EDI Resource Hub for more information.
go2HR, the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of free resources to support you. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees at hr@go2HR.ca.
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Celebrating 20 Years of ABLE BC!
ABLE BC has published a quarterly magazine for nearly our entire history. Many of you may remember reading The Publican, which we began publishing back when we were known as the BC Neighbourhood Pub Owners’ Association (NPOA).
In 1998, the Executive Director of the NPOA, Brenda Locke (now Mayor of Surrey), approached Joyce Hayne, owner of EMC Publications, about taking over publication of The Publican. Joyce and her team were happy to take on the project – she was already familiar with our members and events from previous work at the NPOA conference.
Over the years, The Publican reported on a wide range of industry topics. Anything from hosting creative events to HR issues unique to liquor licensees to smoking rooms was covered. And of course, major industry changes like pubs being permitted to open attached liquor stores, then being allowed to detach those stores, and later being allowed to sell or move an LRS license to another city.
Joyce has worked with several past Executive Directors, and she’s been a part of our transition from the NPOA to the BC Liquor Licensees & Retailers’ Association and finally to ABLE BC 20 years ago.
In 2019, The Publican was rebranded to The Quarterly Pour to better represent the diversity of ABLE BC members. The magazine continues to cover trending topics for BC’s private liquor industry every quarter. Catch up on the latest edition here.
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Are you interested in getting involved with The Quarterly Pour? ABLE BC members can join the volunteer editorial committee, which steers the direction of the magazine and ensures topics covered are relevant and interesting to our readers. Contact Joyce Hayne at joyce@emcmarketing.com if you’d like to join the committee.
Want to advertise in The Quarterly Pour? ABLE BC members receive a 15% discount on all print and digital ads. Put your business in direct contact with owners, managers, and decision-makers of BC’s pubs, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and private liquor and cannabis stores. Check out our media kit here and contact Joyce to learn more.
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Out and About with ABLE BC
Last week, our Head of Cannabis Memberships Bo Chen was in Victoria to meet with members, work with government officials from the LCRB, and spend a day with Senior Communications Manager Ann Brydle. Ann and Bo toured a few liquor and cannabis members in Victoria and Langford.
We love meeting with industry face-to-face! Don’t be shy about booking an in-person meeting with anyone on our team – we welcome the opportunity to get out of the office.
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Left: Bo & Flight Cannabis Co staff. Right: Sean Large (Liquor Plus) & Bo.
ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard appeared in the following media recently:
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events:
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ABLE BC Cannabis Member Webinar, Virtual, April 23
- IVSA Buyer’s Tasting Salon, Vancouver, April 25
- BCHA Summit, Whistler, May 1-2
- Naramata Bench Spring Release, Vancouver, May 3
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Securing Small Business Rebate info session, Virtual, May 7
- WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver, May 13
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ABLE BC’s 20th Anniversary Party, Vancouver, June 6
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BCHF Vancouver Golf Tournament, Vancouver, July 5
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BCHF Victoria Golf Tournament, Victoria, August 21
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Copyright © 2024
BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC)
200 - 948 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1N9 Canada
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