Message from Hon. Lana Popham, ABLE BC Industry Reception, BC Wildfire Resources, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
|
|
|
Liquor Industry Update: August 20, 2026 |
|
|
|
Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry:
Message to ABLE BC Members from Hon. Lana Popham - Save the Date: ABLE BC Industry Reception on September 21
- Membership Renewal Season is Here
- BC Wildfire Resources
- #SummerlandStrong: Support & Choose Summerland Wines
Policy Change: Raising SEP Maximum Drink Prices BC Premier Announces Cabinet Changes
- LRS Opportunity: Connecting BC’s Food & Beverage Operators
Fall 2026 Issue of the Quarterly Pour is Out Get Ready for Fall with Bartier Bros.
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
|
| |
|
Message to ABLE BC Members from Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture & Food |
ABLE BC Members, I hope you’ve been enjoying a wonderful summer.
As the Minister responsible for BC’s liquor and hospitality sector, it is a privilege to champion the important work of your businesses and help ensure this long-established sector continues to thrive and receive the support and recognition it deserves as an important contributor to our provincial economy.
Since taking on this responsibility last summer, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with businesses and stakeholders from across British Columbia. I’ve heard firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, listened to ideas for supporting small businesses, and met many of the talented and passionate people driving this industry forward.
My connection to this industry also extends back well before my time as Minister. As the co-founder and operator of Barking Dog Vineyard, Vancouver Island’s first certified organic vineyard, and former president of the Vancouver Island Grape Growers Association, I understand firsthand many of the realities of running a small business and working within this industry. Those experiences continue to inform my appreciation for the challenges businesses face and the importance of ensuring government is a strong partner in supporting their success.
I have also witnessed the industry’s resilience, entrepreneurship, and determination demonstrated by businesses throughout the sector. BC’s liquor and hospitality industry is a major contributor to a strong economy and supports employment in communities across our province. Those contributions deserve recognition. It is clear to me that the businesses behind this industry are key partners for the province and will continue to remain so.
Earlier this year, I was proud to introduce two significant changes to streamline industry supply chains—authorizing hospitality licensees to purchase products from private liquor stores and allowing the growing category of ready-to-drink refreshment beverages to ship directly to licensees. I am confident these changes will strengthen the industry and continue to create new opportunities for businesses across the sector.
Of course, there is still plenty of important work ahead of us to reinforce the foundations of BC’s liquor and hospitality industry, and I remain committed to continuing our work together to strengthen this vibrant and fundamental sector for our province. I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from BC’s liquor and hospitality community, and I look forward to connecting with many of you at the upcoming ABLE BC Industry Reception this September. Sincerely,
Hon. Lana Popham
Minister of Agriculture and Food |
|
|
|
Save the Date: ABLE BC Industry Reception on September 21 |
Join ABLE BC on Monday, September 21, at 6 pm at Donnellan’s Irish Pub in Vancouver for an evening of networking and industry connection.
Meet ABLE BC’s Board of Directors, connect with fellow industry professionals, and hear updates on ABLE BC’s recent advocacy work.
We’re also pleased to welcome Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham, along with senior officials from both the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and as well as the Liquor & Cannabis Regulations Branch. Registration is opening coon, capacity is limited — save the date and stay tuned for more details! |
Membership Renewal Season is Here |
ABLE BC Community Ambassador, Nicole McLaughlin |
ABLE BC memberships are due for renewal on August 31, 2026.
Your membership is more than an annual renewal—it directly supports the advocacy work that ensures BC's hospitality and private liquor retail sector has a strong, united voice with government.
Membership dues enable ABLE BC to advocate on behalf of licensees, build relationships with decision-makers, monitor emerging issues, and ensure liquor is represented alongside other well-established industries across British Columbia.
As a member, you're helping strengthen our industry's voice and supporting the ongoing work that protects and advances the interests of BC's liquor industry.
Your membership also provides access to valuable programs, resources, and benefits designed to support your business. Renewing your membership ensures you continue to receive access to member-exclusive benefits, including programs such as the ABLE BC Hospitality Insurance Program below. Without an active ABLE BC membership, access to these benefits and services may be lost.
Renewing is easy. Simply log in to the Member Portal and follow the renewal instructions on your dashboard. Questions or Need Assistance?
Contact Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca for help accessing your account or completing your renewal. |
|
|
Minister Lana Popham's Agricultural Fire Update on August 11, 2026 |
ABLE BC's thoughts are with everyone impacted by the ongoing wildfires across British Columbia. While we don’t know how many members of the ABLE BC cannabis community are directly affected, we want to make sure those who are have access to timely and reliable information. Our friends at the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) have shared a number of helpful resources for businesses, employees and communities navigating the current wildfire situation. Key resources include:
Conditions can change quickly. Please continue to follow information and directions from your local government or First Nation, EmergencyInfoBC and the BC Wildfire Service.
Thank you to TIABC for compiling and sharing these resources with BC’s business community. |
|
|
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 membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
|
|
|
Summerland Strong: Support Summerland, Choose Summerland Wines |
A simple way to show your love for Summerland? Choose a Summerland wine.
We’re proud to join the Wine Growers British Columbia, BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA), and Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive Association in encouraging restaurants, retailers and wine lovers across BC to get behind #SummerlandStrong.
A big thank you to ABLE BC members JAK's Beer Wine & Spirits, Marquis Wine Cellars, The Train Station Pub, Vessel Liquor, Cascadia Liquor Stores, Jolly Coachman Pub & Liquor Store, 14th Ave Liquor Store and Pub, Haney Hotel Beer & Wine Store, and Sailor Hagar's Brew Pub for already getting on board and featuring Summerland wines. Your support matters.
And this is bigger than one community. Summerland gives us a reason to celebrate BC wine, and we want that local pride to extend across the province.
How you can participate: - Feature Summerland wine. Put one or more Summerland wines on your feature list, by the glass, on your menu or in a dedicated retail display.
-
Tell the story. Use the Summerland Strong materials provided by Wine Growers BC.
-
Help customers discover the people behind the bottle. Share the winery's story and encourage guests to support local.
-
Share the campaign. Post using #SummerlandStrong #BCWine #BuyBC and tag @WinesofBC & @ABLEBC
- Help rebuild. Display the campaign QR code so customers who wish to do more can donate directly to the SOS Wildfire Response Fund.
-
Keep supporting Summerland. Reorder Summerland wine and keep it on your list after the campaign ends.
One important message: This is not the time to encourage travel into affected areas. You can support Summerland from anywhere in British Columbia. Show your love for Summerland. Celebrate BC wine. |
Policy Change: Raising Special Event Permit Maximum Drink Prices |
Effective August 24, 2026, the maximum cost (PST inclusive) per serving under a Special Event Permit (SEP) will be: - $7.00 for beer, cider, or coolers
- $10.00 for wine or champagne
- $7.00 for spirits
Further information and a more detailed breakdown of the increase to the SEP maximum drink prices can be found in in Bulletin 26-04: Raising the Maximum Drink Prices for Special Event Permits. SEP maximum drink prices are designed to ensure that prices charged for liquor cover only the operating costs of serving and selling liquor. These operating costs include the cost of liquor, mixes, glasses, ice, and taxes. They do not include other event-related expenses such as hall rental, entertainment, security, or charges for single-use cups required by local governments.
Please note that maximum drink prices may be exceeded if the purpose of the event is to raise funds for a charitable purpose or if the special event has been designated by the General Manager as being of municipal, provincial, national, or international significance. Please contact LCRB Client Support Team at LCRBLiquor@gov.bc.ca or 1-866-209-2111 if you have any questions. |
BC Premier Announces Cabinet Changes |
Premier David Eby has announced three changes to cabinet. The following appointments took effect on Friday, August 14, 2026: -
Josie Osborne, Minister of Finance
- Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health
- Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth
Bailey returns to the ministry she led as minister of jobs, economic development and innovation, taking on the major projects and trade diversification files. Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, will cover Bailey’s portfolio while she’s on leave.
Osborne moves to finance from health, bringing experience across four ministries and a working knowledge of the fiscal plan from the Treasury Board table. Kahlon takes on health after leading jobs and economic growth, including the Look West strategy and the Province’s response to U.S. trade action. |
Exclusive Opportunity for LRS to Connect with BC's Food and Beverage Operators |
With recent changes to the BC Liquor Distribution Branch's wholesale service model, many hospitality licensees are now sourcing products through their local Licensee Retail Store (LRS) rather than receiving direct warehouse deliveries. Combined with BC's expanded licensee-to-licensee purchasing framework, this creates a significant opportunity for private liquor stores to build new relationships with restaurants, bars, pubs, and other hospitality businesses.
To help foster these connections, ABLE BC has partnered with the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA) to launch a Private Liquor Directory that will be shared with more than 5,000 food and beverage operators across British Columbia. This exclusive opportunity is available only to ABLE BC Private Liquor Store Members. For $250, participating retailers will receive five months of promotion through BCRFA channels, helping hospitality operators discover trusted retail partners for their purchasing needs. The directory is designed to connect hospitality businesses with private retailers that can offer: - Access to specialty and hard-to-find products
-
Flexible purchasing options through licensee-to-licensee sales
- Support for innovative beverage programs
- Ongoing local retail partnerships
If you're a hospitality operator looking to better understand licensee-to-licensee purchasing, be sure to review ABLE BC's Licensee-to-Licensee Sales FAQ for answers to common questions about how the program works.
If you're an ABLE BC Private Liquor Store Member interested in being included in the directory, contact Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca. |
Fall 2026 Issue of the Quarterly Pour is Out |
The Fall 2026 issue of The Quarterly Pour is out! Featured articles in this issue:
The Quarterly Pour is the official publication of ABLE BC. |
The Quarterly Pour is the BC liquor industry’s source of trends and leading-edge news. The publication is the official magazine of ABLE BC, distributed quarterly to every licensee in the province.
For advertising opportunities in The Quarterly Pour, as well as the ABLE BC newsletter and website, download the 2026 Media Kit from EMC Publications. Contact Joyce Hayne, EMC Publications, at 604-574-4577or joyce@emcmarketing.com to book in now! |
Get Ready for Fall with Bartier Bros. |
|
|
Stock up on customer favourites at special wholesale pricing before August 31, 2026. |
As summer winds down, it’s a great time to look ahead to fall menus, gatherings, and everyday pours. Bartier Bros. favourites bring together quality, value, and approachability—wines that reflect the character of the South Okanagan and fit seamlessly onto tables, patios, and retail shelves.
Grown in Oliver, BC, these wines are crafted to deliver exceptional quality and strong customer appeal, making them a reliable choice for both on-premise and retail programs.
Fall planning is underway, and there are only 11 days left to take advantage of special wholesale pricing on select Bartier Bros. favourites. If you’re looking to refresh your wine list, stock your shelves, or bring in customer favourites for the months ahead, now is the time to order before the offer ends August 31, 2026. |
|
| |
|
Featured Wines Rosé 2025
Fresh, crisp, patio-ready summer favourite SKU: 35609 Wholesale: $13.36 per bottle
Sauvignon Blanc 2025 Bright citrus, fresh acidity, vibrant aromatics
SKU: 169488 Wholesale: $14.97 per bottle Merlot 2022 Smooth, fruit-forward, versatile red pour SKU: 225706 Wholesale: $17.24 per bottle Piquette (Rosé & White) Light, refreshing, lower-alcohol summer sipper
SKUs: 365976 (Rosé) | 365979 (White) Wholesale: $9.00 per 4-pack
To order, contact Jodi Bartier at wineclub@bartierbros.com.
Sign up for winery updates and trade offers here: https://bit.ly/4dMTGqm
Offer valid until August 31, 2026. This project is supported by the BC Government's Buy BC Partnership Program; delivered by MNP LLP with funding from the Government of British Columbia. |
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. |
Member Spotlight: Pioneer's Pub |
A Richmond institution for nearly 50 years, Pioneer’s Pub has built its reputation on great food, cold drinks, genuine hospitality, and a strong connection to its community. Located in Broadmoor Village at No. 3 Road and Williams, Pioneer’s Pub has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1977. Over the decades, it has become much more than a place to grab a pint or a bite to eat — it’s a neighbourhood gathering place where friends and families come together and regulars are treated like part of the extended family. |
The pub pairs its warm, welcoming atmosphere with homemade food, a wide selection of drinks, live entertainment, and more than 10 large-screen TVs for game nights. Whether guests are stopping in for a meal, meeting friends for a drink, or catching the big game, Pioneer’s is proud to offer the kind of friendly, familiar experience that has kept people coming back for generations. Alongside the pub, Pioneer Liquor Store serves the Richmond community from the same Broadmoor Village location, continuing the business’s longstanding commitment to friendly service and its local customers. ABLE BC is proud to have Pioneer’s Pub & Liquor Store as a member and to spotlight their longstanding contribution to the Richmond community. |
Ask an Expert: 10-Minute Conversation That Builds Engagement |
One of the most effective ways to improve employee engagement doesn't require a new program, expensive software, or a larger budget. It starts with a simple conversation. Employees want to know that their work matters, that their contributions are recognized, and that their manager is invested in their success. Setting aside just ten minutes every week or two for a one-on-one check-in can strengthen trust, identify challenges early, and improve performance before small issues become larger problems.
These conversations don't have to be formal. Ask questions like: What's going well? What's getting in your way? How can I better support you? Is there anything we could do differently as a team? Listening is just as important as asking. Employees who feel heard are more likely to stay engaged, collaborate effectively, and take ownership of their work. Small, consistent conversations build stronger relationships, increase job satisfaction, and create a culture where feedback flows both ways. Read the full article. |
Cannabis Corner: Oak Bay Opens Door to Legal Cannabis Retail |
Oak Bay council has approved a rezoning application that could bring the municipality its first legal cannabis retail store since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018.
The site-specific amendment permits cannabis retail at 2579 Cadboro Bay Road, where CannaPlus is proposing to operate. Cannabis retail has otherwise been prohibited throughout Oak Bay. The store must still complete the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch process and obtain the required local approvals before opening.
The decision is another encouraging sign of progress as BC communities that have historically prohibited legal cannabis retail begin opening their doors to licensed operators. In recent years, Surrey, Burnaby and North Saanich have also taken steps to permit legal cannabis retail. ABLE BC continues to support greater access to the regulated market across the province, helping create a more level playing field for licensed businesses and giving consumers greater access to legal, regulated cannabis. Want to strengthen cannabis retail advocacy in BC?
Join ABLE BC's Cannabis Retail Membership to support industry advocacy, stay informed on regulatory developments, and help ensure the voice of independent cannabis retailers is heard by government and regulators. |
go2HR on Tap: Protecting Your Team When Air Quality Drops |
In light of the ongoing wildfires and the provincial state of emergency declared on August 8, go2HR recognizes the serious impact this is having on communities, families, and businesses across British Columbia. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been evacuated or affected, as well as the first responders and volunteers working to keep people safe.
Protecting Your Team When Air Quality Drops
When you're ready, go2HR is here to support hospitality employers as smoke and shifting air quality create new challenges for operations running patios or outdoor service areas. These conditions can bring both physical and psychological risks, and employers play a key role in keeping their people safe. Below are free resources you can turn to whenever you need them. Safety Talk: Managing Wildfire Smoke Exposure A short, practical resource for supervisors and bar/patio staff to recognize the signs of smoke exposure and know when to adjust operations.
Download the Safety Talk JHSC Drop-In Session: Clearing the Air
A free, expert-led session with real hospitality examples, covering both physical and psychological safety. Can be booked to fit around your team's schedule. Book a Drop-In Session
Review Your Emergency Evacuation Plan WorkSafeBC is asking employers to review evacuation plans now, before conditions change. go2HR offers free one-on-one sessions to help you build or update yours.
Read the WorkSafeBC notice Looking After Your Team's Wellbeing
Smoke and disrupted routines can wear on staff mentally as well as physically. go2HR's guidance on psychological hazards can help you support your team through it.
Questions About Adjusting Patio or Outdoor Operations?
go2HR's Health & Safety team offers free, one-on-one support for adjusting schedules, building emergency plans, or working through any other safety concern tied to air quality.
Get In Touch |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
|
|
|
