Membership Renewals, Minister Engagement, BCGEU News, New Resources, and More! ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: August 7, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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ABLE BC Membership Renewal Season is Here!
ABLE BC memberships expire on August 31, 2025. Look out for your annual renewal notice to avoid any delays! Members can renew by logging into the Member Portal and following the renewal instructions posted on the dashboard.
If you have questions about your renewal, don't know how to log into the Member Portal, or would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Jesse Sidhu, Manager of Membership & Events, at jesse@ablebc.ca.
ABLE BC advocates for business-friendly policies and cost-saving measures on your behalf that help the private liquor industry thrive. ABLE BC is your seat at the table, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed by government. We present a united voice that speaks for the entire private liquor industry in BC. We are only able to do this work because of the support of our members. Put simply, ABLE BC does not exist without your membership dues. Your support is critical to our industry’s success.
We are dedicated to safeguarding your investments by pushing for policies that reduce risk and relieve financial pressure, ensuring your business thrives. Let's secure a prosperous future together.
Prompt payment of your membership dues will enable us to continue our track record of successful advocacy for BC’s private liquor industry through the year ahead. |
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ABLE BC Continues Engagement with Ministers |
In July, Premier David Eby announced a cabinet shuffle to prioritize jobs, the economy, and the needs of British Columbians. As part of this cabinet shuffle, there are two new Ministers responsible for liquor: Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, and Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Following the announcement, ABLE BC’s Bo Chen met with Minister Popham in late July during a Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP) introduction call. After the conversation, Bo commented: "Our association has a proven history of government relations. Over the past decades, we have worked together to build thriving and responsible industries in BC that serve the interests of consumers, small businesses, and regulators. We look forward to our continued work with our government partners and also extend to the Ministers a warm welcome from our sectors.”
ABLE BC will meet with Minister Popham again this month to share ongoing industry priorities, including pressing licensing and policy matters. Additionally, the ABLE BC team has also reached out to Minister Krieger as well. We’ll keep members updated on the outcomes of this meeting and any relevant developments.
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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. |
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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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BCGEU Update: Job Action Vote Opens August 11 to August 29 |
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In July, ABLE BC informed our membership and industry on the BCGEU’s decision to prepare to take a job action vote in the coming weeks following a breakdown in negotiations for their next collective agreement. As per the BCGEU, the vote will be open from August 11 to August 29, 2025. The vote results will determine the BCGEU's mandate how to proceed forward with government. If job action were to take place, the LDB will be notified 72 hours in advance.
ABLE BC understands industry’s concerns on the uncertainty and is continuously monitoring the situation and engaging with government and industry stakeholders. We will keep industry apprised as details progress and continue to progress our efforts to get the clarity you need to plan for your business.
For more information, please read our previous update. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca).
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Did You Know: List of Producers Able to Ship Direct to Licensees |
We want to ensure licensees are aware of the list of private distributors on the LDB Wholesale website (scroll down to ‘Private Distributors’ to download the full list). This list includes BC wineries, craft distilleries, breweries, and third-party warehouses that are able to ship products directly to licensees (LRS and hospitality). To order products sold directly by private breweries and distributors, please contact the distributor directly and set up an account. |
ABLE BC Speaks to Vancouver Sun on Extended Bar Hours & FIFA |
Vancouver City Council recently passed a motion allowing bars and restaurants to apply to extend their service hours - and this change could help with businesses’ bottom line.
ABLE BC's Bo Chen spoke with The Vancouver Sun about the change: “The long-awaited call to action from local businesses combined with Vancouverites’ demand for a vibrant night economy will certainly open up applications,” he said.
It’ll also help businesses be ready for the FIFA World Cup next year, he added. The province expects 350,000 people to visit the city during the event.
The new rules allow bars, pubs and nightclubs in the city to open as early as 9 a.m. Establishments can also apply to extend their hours until 4 a.m. downtown, except in the Downtown Eastside, and 3 a.m. on weekends and 2 a.m. on weeknights outside downtown.
Restaurants that serve liquor can now apply to stay open until 2 a.m. Restaurants were able to open as late as 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends under the previous policy.
ABLE BC is engaging with the City of Vancouver, other government partners, and industry allies on FIFA 2026 plans and is looking forward to the next steps. |
ABLE BC Liquor to Go Survey Now Closed |
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent Liquor To Go Policy Survey. Your participation and thoughtful feedback are invaluable as we work to represent the needs of BC’s liquor retailers and licensees. Following our province-wide Townhalls and the completion of our member survey, the ABLE BC team is now reviewing your responses and consolidating your perspectives into our policy submission to the LCRB.
What We’ve Heard So Far Your insights have provided a clearer picture of how Liquor To Go has impacted businesses across BC. Key themes include: -
Ongoing concerns about unintended impacts on industry operators
- Identified
gaps in the current policy framework that require refinement
- Thoughtful
recommendations to improve the existing model, to ensure a fair and responsible approach
Next Steps
ABLE BC is finalizing our formal response to advocate for policies that balance public health and safety with the needs of our members.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca. |
Fall 2025 Quarterly Pour Issue is Out |
The Fall 2025 issue of the Quarterly Pour is out! Here's what you'll find inside... -
Stronger Together: Community Engagement is Helping to Enhance BC's Pubs, Liquor Stores, and Neighbourhood
- E-commerce Best Practices for Liquor Retailers
- Smooth Service Starts Behind the Scenes: Properly Maintaining Equipment is Essential
- ABLE BC Member Feature: Tugboat Annie's Pub & Grille
- Understanding Markups on Liquor
- And more!
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You’re Invited: Wine Growers Canada Come Over October Webinar & Campaign |
Come Over October is coming to Canada! Come Over October is an international grassroots campaign launched to encourage people to gather and share wine in the spirit of connection, community, and culture. It’s part of a broader initiative called Come Together - A Community for Wine, which promotes wine as a beverage of moderation that brings people together. Wine Growers Canada has commissioned Come Together (the team behind last year’s successful Come Over October campaign in the U.S.) to develop a Canadian version of the campaign to launch across the country this fall.
The campaign runs throughout October, including Canadian Thanksgiving, and encourages wine lovers to host or attend gatherings - at home, in restaurants, or at wineries - centered around wine and togetherness. WGC has funded the development of Come Over October Canada campaign content and will support it with a small national digital ad buy to promote a positive, community-oriented narrative around wine. Campaign materials are free to use, designed for co-branding, and available to participating wineries, associations, DMOs, and retailers to support your own activations, messaging, and events.
Interested in learning more? Join the Orientation Webinar with the Come Together team on August 11, 2025 at 10:00 am PST. They will walk you through the campaign concept, objectives, and how your organization can get involved. Wineries, associations, DMOs, retailers, and industry partners are invited to attend.
To register, please email Rob Taylor directly at rob@wgcanada.ca. A Zoom link will be provided to all registrants. |
SuperHost Training: Strengthen Your Bar and Pub Staff During BC's Peak Season |
BC’s tourism season is in full swing. Keep your staff sharp and your service exceptional with the newly updated SuperHost®: Foundations of Service Quality and Foundations of Inclusive Service: Service For All™. What’s New and Essential for BC’s Bars and Pubs: - Sharper, more engaging eLearning designed for busy hospitality teams.
- Practical conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques for real-world challenges.
- Emergency communication tips to manage the unexpected.
- A dedicated focus on Psychological Health and Safety to support your team.
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Shorter course time
- Clear guidance on Truth and Reconciliation for culturally respectful service.
Level up your guest experience this season. Invest in service training that leaves a lasting impression. |
Cannabis Corner: LCRB Industry Engagement on Market Controls |
ABLE BC is proud to share a significant advocacy milestone for BC’s private cannabis retailers: the LCRB officially released its industry engagement paper on the following key market controls: - Cannabis Sales at Events;
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Provincial Distance Criteria between Retail Stores;
- Retail Branded Cannabis Products;
- And Licence Cap Engagement.
This progress is the result of ongoing, dedicated advocacy by ABLE BC and the strong support of our Cannabis Membership. These topics have long been top priorities for private retailers seeking financial viability, regulatory clarity, and a fairer playing field.
“We commend the LCRB’s continued collaboration with ABLE BC and welcome this long-awaited step toward meaningful change,” said Bo Chen. “We look forward to working closely with our members and government partners to ensure the final outcomes reflect the needs of BC’s private cannabis sector.” We will continue to keep you informed and provide opportunities to contribute as the engagement process unfolds.
For questions or more information, please contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca. |
go2HR on Tap: August Heat is Here - Stay Sharp on Heat Stress at Your Bar or Pub |
In BC’s hottest stretch, your team is already feeling the heat - in packed kitchens, sun-soaked patios, and busy service areas. Heat stress isn’t just possible - it’s likely without proper precautions.
Watch for these warning signs: - Flushed or pale skin
- Nausea, dizziness, or headache
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Sudden confusion or silence
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
This is your reminder to keep safety top of mind. A 2-minute chat could prevent a heat-related emergency today.
Learn more about staying safe during hot weather. |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
Left - Bo Chen at Mission Springs Brewing with Laura Rowse (Owner of Cheeky's Cannabis and part of Springs Group), enjoying the 420 friendly patio space (a welcomed synergy between the two industries!).
Top Right - Bo with ABLE BC Directors Al Deacon (middle) and Al McCreary (right) in the ABLE BC office. Bottom Right - Bo hanging out at a new Liquor Primary in Vancouver and checking out their selections. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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