Membership Renewal Season is Here, Stay Inspection Ready, New Liquor Resources, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: August 6, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - Membership Renewal Season is Here
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Insurance Built for Hospitality: Benefit for ABLE BC Membership
- Reminder: Stay Inspection Ready
- Thrive Advisor's New Liquor & Cannabis Resources
Private Retailers Connecting with BC’s Food & Beverage Keep Summer Pouring with Bartier Bros.
BCRFA Hall of Fame: October 19 in Vancouver Clarification: LDB Wholesale Service for Hospitality Licensees
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Membership Renewal Season is Here |
Top Left: ABLE BC President Yvan Charette & Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture & Food
Top Right: ABLE BC at media press conference during industry labour dispute Bottom left: ABLE BC attending the Premier & Cabinet Luncheon
Bottom Right: ABLE BC Team & IVSA Executive Director Stacy Kyle at Vancouver Tequila Festival |
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. |
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Insurance Built for Hospitality: A Benefit of ABLE BC Membership
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As an ABLE BC member, you have access to a commercial insurance program designed specifically for hospitality and liquor retail businesses through our partnership with Western Financial Group - a benefit that could make a real difference for your operation.
Whether you’re reviewing your current coverage or considering new insurance options, here’s an overview of what this program offers and why it’s worth exploring. What the Hospitality Insurance Program (HIP) Covers
The industry-focused Hospitality Insurance Program (HIP) provides flexible commercial insurance solutions tailored to the risks faced by pubs, bars, hotels, motels, and liquor stores. It’s built to protect your business against challenges that are specific to the hospitality and licensed retail industries. Key coverage options include: - Commercial General Liability - protection if someone is injured on your property or there’s damage to third-party property.
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Cyber Liability - helps manage the impact of data breaches or cyberattacks.
- Business Interruption Insurance - supports your income if you must close temporarily due to an insured event.
Western’s team works with you to tailor coverage specific to your business needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all policies. Program Structure and Member Value The HIP operates under a Protected Self-Insurance (PSI) structure, which gives members a sense of ownership over their premiums and helps stabilize long-term rates. Over time, surpluses can result in premium returns to members in years with low claims - a feature not typically found in traditional commercial insurance plans.
How to Access the Program
ABLE BC membership in good standing is all that’s needed to participate in the program. To learn more or get a quote, visit the commercial insurance section of the Western Financial Group site.
You can also contact Western’s team directly at 1-800-665-8990 to speak with a specialist about your options or reach out to ABLE BC's Community Ambassador, Nicole McLaughlin (membership@ablebc.ca) |
Reminder - Stay Inspection Ready! |
With the final stretch of summer underway and students still enjoying their break, ABLE BC is sharing one last reminder for licensees to stay inspection ready and finish the season strong when it comes to compliance.
As patios stay busy and hospitality businesses continue to welcome guests throughout the summer, it’s important to remain diligent with ID checks, staff training, and due diligence procedures to help ensure a safe and successful season. The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is one of the LCRB’s key compliance tools used to monitor responsible cannabis and liquor sales. Under the program, minors employed and supervised by the LCRB attempt to purchase cannabis or liquor from licensed establishments.
As a reminder, LCRB inspectors will contact licensees directly if a sale is made to a minor agent. Since May 2025, licensees who successfully refuse service during a MAP inspection will also receive an automatic email notification from the LCRB within 14 days confirming they passed the compliance check. Checking identification remains one of the most important steps licensees can take to prevent contraventions and protect their business from enforcement action or penalties. Licensees are encouraged to ensure staff understand: -
When and how to properly check ID
- Acceptable forms of identification
- House policies for age verification
- Procedures for refusing service when necessary
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Documentation and due diligence practices
Some licensees choose to check ID for every customer, while others require ID from anyone who appears under a certain age threshold, such as 30 years old. Whatever your policy may be, consistency and staff training are critical.
Helpful resources can be found on the LCRB website, including Check ID Decal 2026 and Identification Sign for Entrance into a Licensed Establishment.
ABLE BC Members can access complimentary compliance resources through the ABLE BC Member Portal, including sample due diligence policies, signage, and educational materials related to MAP inspections and responsible service practices.
For additional support with policies, procedures, or legal guidance, members are encouraged to connect with the ABLE BC team and expert network.
If you have questions about the Minors as Agents Program, please contact the LCRB directly at LCRB.CandE.Admin@gov.bc.ca.
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Thrive Advisor's New Liquor & Cannabis Resources |
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Navigating liquor and cannabis licensing can be complex - but having access to reliable, practical information can make the process easier.
ABLE BC Partner and Expert, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors, has recently expanded its website with a new Liquor & Cannabis Licensee Resources section, bringing together helpful guides, reference materials, and practical tools for licensees, business owners, and those looking to better understand BC’s liquor and cannabis licensing landscape.
The resource library is designed to support businesses at every stage - from those planning their first liquor or cannabis operation, to established licensees looking to better understand regulatory requirements, industry terminology, and licensing processes. |
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| Thrive Advisors President Rebecca Hardin |
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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 membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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Exclusive Opportunity for LRS to Connect with BC’s Food and Beverage Operators |
BCRFA President & CEO Ian Tostenson and ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen |
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
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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. |
Keep Summer Pouring with Bartier Bros. |
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Wines made for summer sipping and sharing—available at special wholesale pricing through August 31, 2026. |
Bartier Bros. wines bring the character of the South Okanagan to restaurant wine lists, by-the-glass programs, and retail shelves, offering exceptional quality, strong value, and wines your customers will be excited to discover.
Grown in Oliver, BC, they are crafted to be approachable, well-balanced, and a consistent choice for your customers. For a limited time, select Bartier Bros. favourites are available at special wholesale pricing through August 31, 2026.
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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
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. |
BCRFA Hall of Fame: October 19 in Vancouver |
Hall of Fame Tickets Are Selling Fast! Join the BCRFA on Monday, October 19 as we celebrate the people, businesses, and leaders who continue to shape British Columbia's restaurant and foodservice industry.
From honouring the 2026 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame inductees to enjoying exceptional food and beverages while connecting with colleagues from across the province, this is an evening dedicated to celebrating our incredible hospitality community.
Secure your seat today and join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of BC hospitality. Event Details - Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Time: 5:00 pm
- Location: Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver
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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. |
Clarification: LDB Wholesale Service for Hospitality Licensees |
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has provided a clarification regarding the hospitality licensee service information shared in our July 23 Liquor Industry Update.
The minimum weekly order threshold for hospitality licensees to be serviced directly by the LDB Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC) Vancouver is an established guideline as outlined in the WCC Order Handbook. It is not a new change. Hospitality licensees that order a minimum of 30 cases per week are eligible to submit orders using Web Store and pick-up their orders directly from the LDB Distribution Centre. These customers may also be serviced by a local BCLIQUOR store or by an affiliated Licensee Retail Store (LRS).
Weekly minimum order thresholds help the LDB ensure a fair and consistent approach for all hospitality licensees while balancing efficient distribution centre operations with customer demand. |
Member Spotlight: Blackfish Pub |
Whether you're a Sunshine Coast local or visiting from the mainland, The Blackfish Pub offers a welcoming place to relax, reconnect, and enjoy great food and drinks. Conveniently located in Upper Gibsons - just 10 minutes from the ferry with plenty of easy parking - the Blackfish has become a favourite gathering place for families, friends, and visitors alike.
With a warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and an impressive selection of beer, wine, and spirits, there's something for everyone. The pub features a spacious patio and heated deck, comfortable seating, a games room, and private function space for groups both large and small. Family-friendly, the Blackfish welcomes guests of all ages to pull up a chair and feel at home. |
Just two blocks away, the Blackfish Liquor Store in Gibsons Park Plaza is open daily and stocks more than 1,000 varieties of beer, wine, and spirits, making it easy to find the perfect bottle to enjoy at home. From good food and cold pints to familiar faces and genuine hospitality, The Blackfish Pub continues to be a place where the Gibsons community comes together. |
Ask an Expert: A Practical Guide to Group Purchasing |
As operating costs continue to rise, many ABLE BC members are asking: How can we make purchasing more efficient and more cost-effective? One answer is group purchasing. ABLE BC Expert Foodbuy Canada breaks down what operators need to know, including: - How collective buying power drives better pricing
- How rebates and supplier programs work in practice
- What support is available beyond cost savings
- What kind of savings are realistic
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Whether you need to change suppliers (in many cases, you don’t)
At ABLE BC, we believe in providing members with clear, practical information to support better decision-making. If you’re exploring new ways to manage costs and improve efficiency, this is a strong place to start.
Read the full article |
Cannabis Corner: Federal Cannabis Producer Advocacy Suspends Operations |
The Cannabis Council of Canada has suspended its operations, citing ongoing financial pressures, regulatory complexity, and the continued strength of Canada's illicit cannabis market. According to the organization, these challenges have made it difficult for licensed producers and processors to sustain a national advocacy association.
The Council is calling on the federal government to lead a coordinated national strategy to address the illegal cannabis market, arguing that stronger enforcement and a consistent approach across provinces would help support legal businesses, improve public safety, and advance the original objectives of cannabis legalization.
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.
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go2HR on Tap: June 2026 Labour Insights |
According to the latest labour report from go2HR, British Columbia's tourism and hospitality sector continued its strong summer momentum in June, with gains in employment, hours worked, and full-time jobs as businesses ramped up for the peak travel season. The industry's unemployment rate also declined significantly, reflecting growing labour demand and a tightening job market as more workers found employment. Key Highlights: - Employment increased by 2.3 percent in June.
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Employment increased in the Lower Mainland, Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay regions.
- Employment declined in the Cariboo, Northern BC, and Vancouver Island regions.
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Employment increased in the Food and Beverage, Recreation and Entertainment, and Transportation and Travel sectors.
- Accommodation was the only sector to record a month-over-month employment decline.
For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR's Employment Tracker HERE. |
Above: ABLE BC @ BC Lions Home Opener
Bottom Left: ABLE BC President Yvan Charette & Community Ambassador Nicole @ Spurs Country Bar Bottom Right: ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen & Nicole McLaughlin @ Three Brits Pub |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
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