Jeff Guignard is stepping down, WGBC gets a new CEO, BCL Hospitality Handbook, Upcoming Events, and more! ----------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: April 3, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: Jeff Guignard Stepping Down as Executive Director Wine Growers BC Announces New President and CEO New BCL Hospitality Handbook highlights improved ordering process - Single Bottle Pick Service Update from the LDB
Federal Alcohol Tax Increases BC Eliminates Carbon Tax BC Hospitality Foundation Fundraiser: Stock a Wine That Gives Back - BC's Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery brings home Gold for Canada
BC Hotel Association SUMMIT (April 22-23 in Vancouver) Partner with ABLE BC: New Associate Membership Tiers Victoria's First-Ever Cocktail Week - Don't Miss Out!
What you'll find in every newsletter: Ask an Expert: Unlock Big Savings with Foodbuy Cannabis Corner: Advocacy Win! Updates to federal Cannabis Regulations go2HR on Tap: De-Escalation Tips for BC Pubs and Bars Out and About with ABLE BC Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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| Jeff Guignard Stepping Down as Executive Director After 11 amazing years, Jeff Guignard has announced he will be stepping down as ABLE BC’s Executive Director. Jeff is leaving to a ssume the role of President and CEO of Wine Growers BC . In a statement released yesterday Jeff said: Leading ABLE BC has been the honour of my career. Since 2014, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated Board of Directors, passionate members, and industry leaders who care deeply about the future of BC’s liquor, hospitality, and cannabis sectors. Together, we’ve navigated complex challenges, championed policy reforms, and strengthened the voice of independent businesses across the province. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to ABLE BC’s Board, past and present, for your trust and leadership. To our members: your resilience and commitment have inspired me every day. It’s been my privilege to fight for you, to amplify your concerns, and to help shape an industry that’s integral to BC’s economy and communities. Thank you, ABLE BC, for an unforgettable journey. This isn’t goodbye—our paths will cross again, and I’ll always be cheering for your success. According to ABLE BC President Yvan Charette, “Jeff’s leadership over the past 11 years has been invaluable. He steered us through the pandemic, a BCGEU strike, changing governments, and achieved dozens of significant policy changes that supported our industry. While we’ll certainly miss him, the Board and I are grateful for everything he’s accomplished. He's also left us in a strong position to continue advocating for BC’s hospitality, liquor retail, and cannabis retail industries.” " Yvan, Jeff, and the Board of Directors are meeting next week to finalize a transition plan and will share more information with members shortly. On behalf of the entire ABLE BC community: thank you, Jeff, for your extraordinary leadership, dedication, and impact. We wish you the very best in this next chapter. |
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Wine Growers BC Announces New President and CEO The [winebc.com]Wine Growers British Columbia Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Guignard as the organization’s next CEO & President, effective April 28, 2025. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to lead Wine Growers British Columbia at such a pivotal time for our industry,” said Paul Sawler, Board Chair of Wine Growers BC. “His experience in advocacy, strategic communications, and working effectively within BC’s regulatory landscape will be invaluable as we strive to strengthen the industry, expand opportunities and promote the exceptional wines of our region.” Jeff's first day at WGBC will be April 28, 2025. Click here to read the full release. |
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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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New BCL Hospitality Handbook highlights improved ordering process BCLIQUOR (BCL) has released its new BCL Hospitality Handbook , designed for hospitality customers who order their liquor products through BCL stores. The new handbook was informed by input from ABLE BC’s Hospitality Working Group, which has been providing BCL and the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) with feedback on standardizing the ordering experience and improving service for hospitality licensees. The handbook covers BCL’s improved ordering process end to end, from submitting accurate orders to pickup, shipping, payment and returns. BCL has produced a short video that provides a quick preview of the service improvements and the handbook’s contents. You can download the handbook here or visit the Customer Service page on the BCL website to access the handbook as well as an updated order form. Please note: the new handbook is specific to orders placed/product purchased via BCL stores. Hospitality customers serviced by the LDB Wholesale Customer Centres (WCC) in Vancouver and Victoria will continue to follow WCC ordering guidelines. The LDB Wholesale website’s hospitality section continues to be the main online resource for all wholesale customers. |
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Single Bottle Pick Update From the LDB The following update on single bottle picks is from LDB Wholesale. We are pleased to share the LDB Wholesale Operations has completed its seasonal review of the single bottle pick service. Just under 10 per cent of the single bottle pick product selection has been refreshed and will continue to offer a selection of year-round spirits, champagnes, wines and liqueurs in 750ml and 1.14L volume format. The updated list of all single bottle pick products is posted on the LDB Wholesale Operations website here . The 10 per cent bottle pick rule – as applicable to specific customer types, and outlined in the WCC Order Handbook – will continue to apply. The single bottle pick service selection balances efficient distribution centre operations with customer demand, allowing LDB Wholesale Operations to focus on providing uninterrupted service to our customers. Following the Government of B.C.’s directive announced on March 10, 2025 , U.S.-made products will continue to be available for purchase until existing inventory in British Columbia sells through. The selection assortment will continue to be reviewed and assessed seasonally. LDB Wholesale Operations will be emailing the attached memo to your members today to advise them of the refreshed single bottle pick selection and share the updated product list. |
Federal Alcohol Tax Increase On April 1, 2025, federal excise taxes on beer in Canada increased once again, marking an over 18% rise since the introduction of automatic inflation-based adjustments in 2017. This escalation has positioned Canada with the highest beer taxes among G7 nations, accounting for nearly 46% of the retail price. Our parnters at [beercanada.com]Beer Canada have led the charge opposing these automatic tax hikes. According to CJ Hélie, President of Beer Canada, "These automatic tax hikes not only fuel inflation, they inflict harm on brewers, consumers, and the entire hospitality sector." He urged political leaders to commit to eliminating the escalator tax on beer and to roll back recent increases. The brewing industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, supporting 149,000 jobs and generating $13.6 billion in Gross Domestic Product. In light of ongoing economic uncertainties and external tariff threats, Beer Canada asserts that Canadians cannot afford further beer tax increases. |
BC Eliminates Carbon Tax Effective April 1, 2025, the B.C. government has eliminated the provincial carbon tax, removing approximately 17 cents per litre from fuel costs and 15 cents per cubic metre from natural gas. The province says this move is intended to improve affordability for British Columbians and businesses while still holding major polluters accountable through the output-based carbon pricing system. For hospitality businesses, the change should help reduce operating costs—particularly for those with high fuel or energy needs. The final Climate Action Tax Credit will be issued in April 2025. Click here to read more. |
Support the BCHF: Stock a Wine That Gives Back Join us in supporting the BC Hospitality Foundation by carrying The Journey 2023 by Maison Smith Montpetit—a premium Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend from the Similkameen Valley, awarded 92 points by Gismondi on Wine. Crafted with care and purpose, this wine isn’t just exceptional—it gives back. For every case sold, $40 goes directly to BCHF: $20 from your purchase, and $20 matched by the winery.
Attractive to customers and meaningful to the community, The Journey is a standout addition to your shelves.
Ready to stock up and support? Jim: 604-551-6911
Richard: 778-778-9475
Order online: www.smithmontpetit.com |
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery brings home Gold for Canada At a time when consumers are looking toward BC and Canadian products, BC's own Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has achieved global fame, winning a remarkable 11 gold and five silver medals at the 2025 World Spirits Awards in Germany. The distillery was also honored with the prestigious "World-Class Distillery in Worldwide Whisky" designation. The Vernon and Kelowna-based distillery's accolades span various categories, including gold medals for their Laird of Fintry Single-Malt Whisky and Poire Williams Pear Brandy, a spirit often regarded as challenging to perfect. CEO Tyler Dyck attributed this success to the dedication of their team and the quality of local ingredients, remarking, "I think our success at this level is a real testament to our amazing local farmers who grow for us." Click here to learn more. |
BC Hotel Association SUMMIT (April 22-23 in Vancouver) This year's BCHA Summit centers around the theme, Shaping Tomorrow: Leading and Growing Together—a call to embrace new opportunities and realize untapped potential. SUMMIT brings together leaders in hospitality to explore fresh insights and bold ideas that will drive BC's accomodation industry forward. Focusing on the power of collective leadership, resilience, and collaboration, SUMMIT will explore how hoteliers can embrace change, adapt to challenges, and grow together. Through forward-thinking discussions and actionable strategies, SUMMIT will help shape a brighter future for the hospitality sector. With a bustling Marketplace, endless networking opportunities, and a dynamic program in store, now is the time to secure your spot. Don’t wait! Register today and be part of a collaborative, captivating, and cutting-edge Summit! |
Partner with ABLE BC: New Associate Membership Tiers ABLE BC's Manager of Membership and Events, Jesse Sidhu, has re-vamped our associate membership offerings. The new tiers bring more value to suppliers and service providers of BC's liquor and cannabis industries, and amp up the benefits and perks available to ABLE BC liquor and cannabis licensee members. ABLE BC Associates can now choose from one of three membership tiers that best fit their business needs and goals:
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Victoria's First-Ever Cocktail Week - Don't Miss Out! For the first time, Victoria Cocktail Week is bringing bars, distilleries, and industry professionals together for a week-long celebration of cocktails, creativity, and craft. From April 13–20, 2025, experience an exciting lineup of events showcasing the best of Victoria’s cocktail scene. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just love a well-made drink, this is your chance to learn, taste, and experience something unforgettable. What’s Happening: - Masterclasses & Tastings – Get hands-on with expert-led sessions exploring spirits, techniques, and cocktail trends.
- Exclusive Pop-Ups & Guest Shifts – One-night-only events featuring special menus, collaborations, and top bartenders.
- Signature Cocktail Events – From tasting dinners to themed nights, there’s something for every craft beverage lover.
- Limited-Capacity Gatherings – Many events have small guest lists to keep them intimate—grab your spot early!
Why You Need to Be There: - Experience Victoria’s cocktail culture like never before
- Meet the city’s top bartenders, distillers, and industry pros
- Sip on exclusive, event-only cocktails you won’t find anywhere else
- Tickets are on sale now, and with so many one-night-only events, you won’t want to wait
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Ask an Expert: Unlock Big Savings With Foodbuy Until April 30th, join Foodbuy and receive $400 toward your ABLE BC membership fee. Foodbuy leverages group purchasing to offers members unbeatable savings and rebates on thousands of food and non-food products and services. Why join? - Easy sign-up , no cost, no term memberships
- Savings and rebates on 36,000+ SKUs from 450+ suppliers
- Order through your distributor partner
- Transparent, on-demand purchasing reports
- Vendor pricing stability
- To start saving today, email martin.brochu@foodbuy.ca.
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Cannabis Corner: Advocacy Win! Updates to federal Cannabis Regulations This March, Health Canada released the following updates that impacts cannabis retailers: - Simplify product packaging requirements (i.e., allowing both cut-out windows and transparent containers for flower and non-infused pre-rolls as well as allowing the cap and container to be different colours);
- Diversified labelling (i.e., allowing the use of an additional bar code on all product labels - for example, a QR code for educational and product knowledge purposes);
- Allowing co-packing for dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis extracts, cannabis topicals, and edible cannabis (think of a variety pack, bundle pack, experience kit);
- And other changes that help streamline processes for producers
These changes are excellent news for BC's cannabis industry. Want to get involved in our cannabis advocacy? Contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca to learn more about membership. And make sure to sign up for the Cannabis Industry Update newsletter to stay informed on all our cannabis efforts. |
go2HR on Tap: De-Escalation Tips for BC Pubs and Bars 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 . In a fast-paced environment like yours, frontline staff often manage more than just drink orders—they handle tense situations that can quickly escalate. With rising psychological injury claims reported to WorkSafeBC, it’s clear that every workplace, especially in hospitality, needs clear protocols and practical training in place. Do your staff know what to do if a customer becomes aggressive or unsafe?
Taking just five minutes to review de-escalation strategies can make a big difference in keeping your team safe and confident.
▶️ Watch our quick safety talk video :
De-Escalation Tips for Tourism & Hospitality – People Working Well
Includes a downloadable PDF you can post or share during pre-shift huddles.
Looking to go deeper? We’ve also created short, impactful videos on related topics like: - Trauma-informed workplace practices
- Setting boundaries
- Staff self-care
For further information, resources and courses please visit: Tourism & Hospitality - People Working Well 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 . |
Out and About with ABLE BC BC’s liquor and hospitality industry continues to grapple with significant uncertainty in the face of on-again, off-again American tariffs, a ban on US alcohol imports, discussions of removing inter-provincial trade barriers, increased costs, and historic decreases in consumer demand . On your behalf, ABLE BC meets regularly with senior government officials and industry association leaders to discuss how we can support our grow our industries during these challenging times. In case you missed it, ABLE BC appeared in the following media recently: ABLE BC members and industry colleagues were also featured in these articles: |
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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