ABLE BC Board of Directors Nominations, Compliance Tips for World Cup, Liquor Delivery Times, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
April 30, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - ABLE BC Board of Directors Nominations Now Open
- 8 Vancouver Bars Land on Canada's 50 Best Bars List
- Liquor Delivery Times During World Cup
BCRFA's Taste the Beautiful Game - BC Style Hub is Here - Avoid Compliance Infractions During the World Cup
Changes to Temporary Foreign Workers Program
Reminder: Liquor License Renewal Fees Increase on May 1 - Reminder: Minimum Wage Increase on June 1
- Ask an Expert: Foodbuy - Top 5 Questions About GPOs
- SuperHR Info Session: OH&S Due Diligence
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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ABLE BC Board of Directors Nominations Now Open |
ABLE BC is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Board of Directors. This is an important opportunity for members to help shape the future of the association and ensure strong representation across the province.
We are now accepting nominations from ABLE BC members in each of the five regions: Vancouver Island/Coast, Mainland, Okanagan, Cariboo, and Kootenays. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting BC’s private liquor and hospitality sector, we encourage you to get involved. The Nomination Committee overseeing this process includes: How to Submit a Nomination - To request a nomination form, please email comms@ablebc.ca.
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Completed nominations should also be submitted to comms@ablebc.ca.
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If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact bo@ablebc.ca.
Key Dates and Voting Information The deadline to submit nominations is May 25, 2026.
Following the nomination period, ABLE BC will distribute ballot instructions in June 2026 to eligible voting members within each region. Voting is conducted on a per-license basis—each voting member will receive one ballot for every liquor license they own or represent, provided those licenses are listed in Alliance records and are in good standing.
Members are encouraged to review and ensure their records with the Alliance are accurate and up to date to participate fully in the voting process. |
8 Vancouver Bars Land on Canada's 50 Best Bars List |
Sources: Georgia Straight | Vancouver Sun
Vancouver’s cocktail scene is firmly in the spotlight after eight local bars earned spots on the prestigious North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 rankings. Announced at a live ceremony at the Vancouver Convention Centre on April 22, the list showcased the city as one of the continent’s top destinations for world-class cocktails. Leading the charge is The Keefer Bar, which secured #7 ranking overall and was named Best Bar in Canada 2026.
Also representing Vancouver in the top 50 are Botanist Bar at #38, along with standout newcomers June at #17 and Prophecy at #32.
Beyond the top 50, Vancouver continued to make its mark on the extended 51–100 list. Bagheera (#59), Meo (#64), Laowai (#72), and Mount Pleasant Vintage (#91) all earned recognition, reinforcing the depth of talent across the city. The broader BC scene also received nods, with Victoria’s Humboldt Bar (#53) and Citrus & Cane (#87) making appearances.
View the full list here. |
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Liquor Delivery Times During World Cup |
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! If you want your business considered for participation in this program, you must register. Spaces will be limited and selection will move quickly. |
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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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Avoid Compliance Infractions During World Cup: Tips from a Liquor License Consultant |
Practical, easy-to-implement steps to help bars, restaurants and liquor stores remain compliant from ABLE BC Expert Rebecca Hardin, Thrive Consultants During World Cup 2026 over 350,000 attendees will watch matches at BC Place Stadium and the BC government expects that the event will attract an additional 1 million visitors and $1 billion in tourism spending between 2026 and 2031. While BC liquor licensees are focused on stocking up and staffing in preparation of the boom, it’s easy to overlook compliance. Employees, especially new hires, may not have sufficient training to ensure an operation remains compliant with the law and the terms and conditions of the liquor license.
A back-to-basics approach is the most effective way to reduce the risk of compliance infractions and is what the liquor license consultants at Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors prioritize when guiding clients during major hospitality events. Get the tips here. |
Changes to Temporary Foreign Workers Program |
On March 13, 2026, the federal government announced proposed time-limited policy changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to help address immediate labour shortages in rural communities. On April 20, the provincial government provided an update on the program: - BC will opt in to the proposed variance allowing rural employers to retain existing low-wage temporary foreign workers beyond the current 10% cap
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BC does not support a broader expansion of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and therefore, will not opt in to the proposed increase of the low-wage stream cap to 15%, which would allow employers to bring in larger numbers of new temporary foreign workers
- Seasonal, short-term and primary agriculture positions will stay exempt from caps
For more information, please read the news release.
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Reminder: Liquor License Renewal Fees Increase on May 1 |
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
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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
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Middle-tier licensees will see an annual increase of approximately $420
- Highest-tier licensees will see an annual increase of approximately $660
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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.
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Reminder: Minimum Wage Increase on June 1 |
Earlier this year, the Government of British Columbia announced that the province’s general minimum wage will increase to $18.25 per hour effective June 1, 2026.
This increase is part of an automatic annual adjustment established under the Employment Standards Act. Since 2024, minimum wage increases in B.C. have been tied to the annual average change in the province’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). For 2026, the CPI increase was slightly over 2.1%, with the final wage rounded to the nearest nickel. Additional Wage Categories Also Increasing
The 2.1% increase will also apply to several other minimum wage categories, including rates for: - Resident caretakers
- Live-in home-support workers
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Live-in camp leaders
- App-based ride-hailing and delivery-service workers
In addition, the increase will apply to minimum agricultural piece rates for the hand harvesting of certain crops. However, those piece rate adjustments will take effect December 31, 2026.
Learn More - Members can review the official announcement from the Ministry of Labour
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Additional information about minimum wage rules is available through the Employment Standards Branch
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If you have questions about how the minimum wage applies in specific situations, you can contact the Employment Standards Branch directly
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ABLE BC will continue to keep members informed about labour policy changes that may impact hospitality and liquor-licensed businesses across the province.
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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. |
Ask an Expert: Foodbuy - Top 5 Questions Canadians Ask About GPOs |
What Canadian operators need to know about Group Purchasing Organizations and how they support better procurement, stronger savings, and smarter operations.
Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) are becoming essential for foodservice, hospitality, long-term care, education, and club operations across Canada. If you’re exploring how a GPO like Foodbuy Canada can help reduce costs and improve procurement efficiency, here are the top questions operators ask.
1) What is a GPO?
A GPO leverages the collective buying power of thousands of businesses to secure better pricing, supplier programs, rebates, and product access than operators could typically achieve on their own.
2) How does a GPO work? GPOs negotiate contracts with suppliers on behalf of members—unlocking lower pricing, rebates, and improved access to products, while strengthening purchasing consistency. 3) What services do GPOs provide?
Beyond cost savings, leading procurement organizations offer full-service support to improve operational efficiency. Foodbuy Canada provides: sourcing and procurement support, distribution management, purchasing optimization, and culinary and menu solutions.
4) How much can I save by joining a GPO?
Savings vary depending on: your existing supplier mix, program participation, SKU usage, and adoption of procurement services.
Most Canadian operators see meaningful savings through a combination of lower pricing, rebates, menu optimization, and improved distribution and purchasing efficiency. Foodbuy provides personalized savings assessments to show the potential impact.
5) Do I need to change suppliers when I join a GPO?
Not always. It depends on the GPO. Some require exclusive supplier use; others offer flexibility. Foodbuy Canada partners with hundreds of national and regional suppliers, giving members options that work with their existing operation.
Learn More For a deeper dive into how GPOs work—and how they can support your operation: Read the full article from Foodbuy Canada
Connect directly with Martin Brochu to learn more: Martin.Brochu@foodbuy.ca. |
SuperHR Info Session: OH&S Due Diligence |
Build a Compliant Safety Program, No Matter Your Team Size
Join SuperHR for a practical, plain-language session on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:30 am PST designed to take the guesswork out of Occupational Health & Safety compliance. Whether you have 2 employees or 200, Canadian law requires specific policies, training, and prevention measures—but the requirements change based on your headcount.
In this session, you'll learn: - Exactly which OH&S program elements your business legally needs (1–5, 6–19, or 20+ employees)
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How to avoid the common violations that trigger 60–90% of workplace inspection fines
- Province-specific requirements for BC, Alberta, and Ontario
- Practical steps to implement your program without bureaucracy
Plus, you will also learn about our Basic OH&S Implementation Training Program, available through the SuperHR Academy, our online training system. It gives you practical tools, tailored implementation kits, and ongoing support to help you build a safer, more compliant workplace.
Hosted by Luis Straatmann and Pierre Bourbonnais, SuperHR Canada |
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: Enhanced Safer Spaces - New Free Tools to Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment |
Creating safer, more respectful workplaces is both a legal responsibility and a growing priority for BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry. To support employers, go2HR has expanded its Safer Spaces initiative with new tools, training, and advisory services.
Safer Spaces helps employers prevent sexual harassment and implement effective prevention programs. Grounded in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach, it offers practical resources tailored to fast-paced, people-focused workplaces.
Employers can access free one-on-one advisory services to assess current practices, identify gaps, and build a clear roadmap from risk assessment to policy development, implementation, and reporting. This hands-on support ensures programs are not only compliant, but effective and sustainable.
Training access has also expanded. Free Safer Spaces courses are available for workers and supervisors, with worker training currently offered in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, and Punjabi. A new Investigations and Reporting course is also in development and will further support employers in responding appropriately to incidents.
By combining tools, guidance, and training, Safer Spaces helps employers build safer, more confident workplace cultures.
Access Safer Spaces Free Support |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
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