Federal Excise Cap Extended, LCRB Renewal Fees Update, Downtown Vancouver Survey and More ----------------------------------------------- |
|
|
Liquor Industry Update: April 2, 2026 |
|
|
Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: -
Cap on Federal Excise Tax Extended Two Years
- New Funding: Strengthen Productivity in BC's Food & Beverage
LCRB Update: Liquor License Renewal Fees
- Changes to TFWP: Restaurants Canada FAQ
- Have Your Say: Help Shape Downtown Vancouver's Future
Update on ABLE BC Community Ambassador Role Join ABLE BC at the IVSA Spring Product Salons Just 12 Days Away Until BCHA Summit
April is BC Wine Month - Ask an Expert: Building the Right Health & Safety Structure for Your Workplace with SuperHR
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
| |
|
Cap on Federal Excise Tax Extended Two Years
|
On April 1, 2026, the Canadian federal government announced an extension of the 2% cap on the annual alcohol excise duty inflation adjustment for an additional two years. This cap limits what would have been a higher automatic tax increase (previously estimated at 4.7% for 2026) to just 2% for producers of beer, wine, and spirits.
Key Details of the Extension: -
Duration: The cap is extended for another two years (covering 2024-25 and 2025-26, and officially extended further in the 2026 announcement to maintain relief).
-
Reduced Beer Duty: The government is also continuing to cut the excise duty rate by 50% for the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada, aimed at supporting smaller craft breweries.
-
Purpose: The measures are designed to provide predictability and tax relief for small businesses facing high inflation, supply chain issues, and increased production costs.
- Implementation: These changes apply to alcohol excise duty rates effective April 1 of each year, following a similar cap implemented in 2023.
The federal excise tax on alcohol is "escalator" tax, meaning it is automatically adjusted for inflation every April 1 without a parliamentary vote, but the government has intervened to cap the increases. |
|
|
New Funding to 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.
Join us for an information webinar that will be held on April 9, at 2:00 pm Pacific Time, to learn more about the program and how to apply. Register for the webinar, and find additional program details 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 |
LCRB Update: Liquor License Renewal Fees |
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is increasing annual liquor licence renewal fees on May 1, 2026, for the first time in over 15 years to support improved, modernized licensing services. As a self-funded system, these fees support licensing, compliance, enforcement, and ongoing digital upgrades.
What’s Changing: - Faster licensing timelines and reduced backlogs
-
A more user-friendly online licensing portal with status tracking and built-in checks
- New compliance tools, including AI support and mobile Serving It Right credentials
- Clear service standards and weekly public updates on application processing timelines
Fee impacts for hospitality (purchased-based) licensees by tier: - Nearly half of all licensees are in the lowest fee tier, where the increase is approximately $75 annually
-
Middle-tier licensees will see an annual increase of approximately $420
- Highest-tier licensees will see an annual increase of approximately $660
-
Manufacturer licence renewal fees are based on production volume, meaning increases vary depending on production size, with larger producers seeing higher increases under the updated fee structure.
Additional Updates:
For more information, please read the detailed Fee Table and Policy Bulletin 26-01.
For questions, please contact: LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca.
|
|
|
Changes to Temporary Foreign Workers Program: Restaurants Canada FAQ |
While Restaurants Canada views the increase to 15% for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in rural areas as a positive development, many operators still have questions about how these changes will be implemented in practice.
Through their gained discussions with federal and provincial officials, including direct engagement with TFW Program representatives, Restaurants Canada has developed a FAQ to better understand important changes such as: - What was announced?
- What qualifies as rural?
- Do provinces have to opt in?
- Are these changes automatic for employers?
-
What does this mean for existing TFW?
You can access this valuable information from Restaurants Canada HERE. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
Have Your Say: Help Shape Downtown Vancouver's Future |
Our advocacy partner, the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, is inviting our industry to take part in a short but important survey to help shape the future of downtown Vancouver. Earlier this year, the BIA hosted a February roundtable series, bringing together more than 80 participants across eight sessions. These conversations surfaced valuable insights on what businesses and the broader community want to see from the Mayor and City Council over the next four-year term.
Those insights have now been used to develop a public survey—refined with input from government relations and strategy experts—to ensure the priorities of the downtown business community are clearly represented.
Now, they need your voice. We encourage all members to: -
Complete the survey (it takes less than five minutes)
- Share it with your teams, colleagues, and networks
The results will directly inform the questions and priorities presented to mayoral candidates at the 2026 Mayoral Forum.
The survey is open to anyone who lives, works, or regularly visits downtown Vancouver—so feel free to share it widely with staff, customers, and partners. Incentives to Participate Participants will be entered into a draw to win one of several prizes, including: - Two pairs of Bruno Mars concert tickets + a $500 gift card to the Rosewood Hotel Georgia
-
Two Pitchside Club tickets to a Vancouver Whitecaps FC match
- One of five $250 gift cards to Cadillac Fairview Pacific Centre
Survey findings—and the resulting questions for candidates—will be shared ahead of the October election. Participants will also receive early invitations to the BIA’s AGM and Mayoral Forum on September 29, 2026. |
Update on ABLE BC Community Ambassador Role |
Thank you to everyone who applied for the Community Ambassador role. We received a high level of interest and truly appreciate the time, thought, and effort that went into each application.
Our team is currently reviewing all submissions and will be reaching out to successful candidates in the coming weeks. |
Join ABLE BC at the IVSA Spring Product Salons |
The IVSA Spring Product Salons return this April with three 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.
Dates & Locations
Victoria
April 7 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
Vancouver
April 22 | 12:30 – 3:00 PM
The Vancouver Club
Langley
April 29 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Haven Kitchen + Bar
Victoria Bonus Session
Prior to the Victoria salon, we’re pleased to host David Hume from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a 30-minute open Q&A. Bring your questions on topics such as patio permits, minors as agents, liquor primary licensing, and other regulatory matters affecting hospitality businesses.
Please note: Attendance is limited and registration will be required to attend the Victoria Q&A session.
Whether you're planning new cocktail programs, refreshing your wine list, or scouting seasonal retail opportunities, these salons offer a chance to taste widely, ask questions, and discover what’s next.
ABLE BC is excited to attend the Spring Product Salons and support our industry allies. We look forward to seeing you there! |
Just 12 Days Away Until BCHA Summit |
The BCHA Summit comes to Nanaimo on April 14 and 15 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
This year’s theme, Future Ready: Strategies for a Stronger, Smarter Sector, sets the tone for two days of conversations about where British Columbia’s hotel industry is heading and how operators can prepare for what’s next.
The full Summit program is now available and includes sessions exploring: - Leadership, team culture, and attracting the next generation
- Workforce strategies and international hiring pathways
-
Artificial intelligence and technology in hotel operations
- Cost pressures and the business outlook for BC hotels
- Industry performance trends and market forecasts
Curated for hospitality leaders and change-makers, the program tackles the pressures facing hotels today while exploring emerging trends and practical ideas.
Explore the full program and register today! |
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.
|
Ask an Expert: Building the Right Health and Safety Structure for Your Workplace with SuperHR |
Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) compliance is not “one-size-fits-all.” In fact, your legal obligations change depending on the size of your workforce; and having the right structure in place is essential for both compliance and prevention.
1 to 4 Employees: Simple but Essential HR & Safety Program Smaller workplaces are still required to maintain a safe and compliant environment, even if formal structures are not mandated. At this level, the focus should be on: - Clear safety policies and procedures
-
Basic hazard identification and reporting processes
- Documented onboarding and safety orientation
- Basic HS Training
Even in small teams, consistency and documentation are key to protecting both employees and the business.
5 to 19 Employees: Designated Health & Safety Representative Once a workplace reaches five or more employees, legislation requires the essential structure, plus the appointment of a Health & Safety Representative. This role is responsible for: - Conducting regular workplace inspections
-
Identifying and reporting hazards
- Supporting incident reporting and follow-up
- Promoting ongoing safety awareness among staff
The goal is to ensure there is a dedicated voice for safety, even in smaller teams. 20+ Employees: Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) When a workplace reaches 20 or more employees, a Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) becomes mandatory.
This committee typically includes both employer and worker representatives and is responsible for: - Formal workplace inspections and safety meetings
- Reviewing incident investigations and trends
-
Recommending improvements to reduce risk
- Supporting a strong safety culture across the organization
A well-functioning JHSC is a key driver of proactive risk management and compliance. Implementing the right OHS structure is about meeting legal requirements and building a workplace where people feel protected, informed, and valued.
Connect with ABLE BC Expert SuperHR
Book a call with their team to make confident, compliant staffing decisions and lead your team through this disruption.
You can also reach Pierre Bourbonnais directly at (604) 283-3503 or pierre@superhrcanada.com. |
|
|
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: Join ABLE BC at Cannabis Hospitality Summit |
The 2nd Annual Cannabis Hospitality Summit is a one-day gathering dedicated to the future of cannabis-friendly spaces, tourism, and social experience in Canada.
Bringing together hospitality operators, retailers, regulators, tourism leaders, and cultural innovators, the Summit creates space for thoughtful conversation, practical learning, and meaningful connection across the evolving cannabis landscape. Event Details - Date: Friday, April 17, 2026 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
-
Location: New Amsterdam Cafe (301 W Hastings St, Vancouver)
ABLE BC’s Executive Director, Bo Chen, will be speaking on the panel: From Farm to Experience: The Rise of Farmgate (9:35-10:20 am). Exploring how farmgate retail is creating new opportunities for tourism, local producers, and community-driven cannabis experiences—while navigating regulatory challenges.
Attendees can also join a pre-event wellness experience on April 16, blending yoga, meditation, tea, and cannabis education.
This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the evolving cannabis hospitality landscape. We hope to see you there! |
go2HR on Tap: Investing in Staff - A Smart Move for Long-Term Success |
In our latest article in The Quarterly Pour, we explore why investing in staff through professional development is one of the most effective ways to strengthen business performance in BC’s Tourism & Hospitality sector. In fast-paced, high-pressure environments, ongoing training supports service excellence, compliance, and retention, while helping staff build confidence and grow into leadership roles.
We also highlight practical ways to make development actionable, from integrating training into daily operations to supporting supervisors with coaching and communication tools. With a mix of free resources and targeted training, employers can take a balanced approach that builds stronger teams and more resilient operations. Read more. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
|
|
|
