ABLE BC Appoints Executive Director, BTAP Update, Holiday Hours, and more ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: December 11, 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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Holiday Hours and Warm Wishes from ABLE BC |
Happy holidays from ABLE BC! As we prepare to bid farewell to 2025 and hello to 2026, our team, committees, and Board of Directors wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday season.
ABLE BC’s offices will be closed from December 22 to January 4 as the team takes time to celebrate the holidays and New Year with our families. The next Cannabis Industry Update will land in your inbox on January 14, 2026.
Should something urgent arise, you can always contact Bo Chen directly at bo@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC Appoints Executive Director |
ABLE BC is excited to announce the appointment of Bo Chen as Executive Director. Bo previously served as Head of Cannabis Membership at ABLE BC and stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director during the recent BCGEU job action, providing steady leadership and continued advocacy progress through a period of transition.
Following this successful interim tenure, ABLE BC's Board of Directors is pleased to confirm Bo in the permanent role, recognizing his deep sector knowledge, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to advancing ABLE BC’s mission on behalf of our members.
As Executive Director, Bo will continue to lead ABLE BC’s strategic direction, advocacy priorities, and member services across all sectors, while building strong relationships with government, industry partners, and stakeholders throughout British Columbia.
Members are invited to visit the ABLE BC website to read Bo’s full professional biography and learn more about his background and experience. |
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| Message from Bo:
This responsibility is a tremendous honour and a privilege for me to champion the spirit of entrepreneurship of small businesses in BC, especially as ABLE BC celebrates its 50th year. I have deep gratitude for our Board of Directors, our Cannabis Committee, my industry mentors, allies, the team, and most importantly ABLE BC's members.
Without everyone's support and united efforts dedicated to progressing BC's private liquor & hospitality industry, ABLE BC would not be where it is today.
We still have lots of challenges to overcome ahead of us to bring stability and growth to our sectors. For those who know me well and work closely with me, I'm sure this will be a familiar quote: "Optimism is a moral duty."
Thank you for your continued support in our advocacy work. And on behalf of ABLE BC, we look forward to our continued efforts working alongside with our government partners and stakeholders to bring prosperity to BC's private liquor & hospitality sectors. |
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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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Business Technical Advisory Panel: Industry Vision & Future |
ABLE BC has been a crucial part of BTAP since 2018, providing recommendations and advice to BC’s government with a shared goal of improving and streamlining liquor policies and regulations.
As industry prepares to head into the new year, the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP) met earlier this week to start discussions focused on BC’s liquor & hospitality industry's: - future vision and strategy;
- vibrancy and business viability;
- increasing efficiencies and reduce red-tape in a responsible manner.
BTAP will continue to collaborate together and resume engagement again on priorities on a regular basis for 2026. |
BC's Look West Strategy with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Anne Kang |
City of Vancouver: Temporary Bylaw Changes - 2026 FIFA World Cup |
On November 26, 2025, Vancouver City Council officially approved a temporary by-law to support Vancouver’s role as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The by-law introduces time-limited changes to several existing regulations to support public safety, event operations, and FIFA requirements during the tournament period.
The approved changes will be in effect from May 13 to July 20, 2026 and will have important implications for businesses operating near venues and high-traffic areas across the city.
What’s Changing: Temporary Adjustments Approved by Council
The FIFA World Cup 2026 By-law allows for: - Installation of temporary event structures
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Faster removal of graffiti and unauthorized commercial signage on private property
- Extended noise allowances for event operations and international broadcast schedules
- Temporary restrictions on street vending, street entertainment, and advertising
- Adjustments to truck routes in high-traffic areas
These changes will apply primarily in areas near: - BC Place Vancouver
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Hastings Park/PNE Fairgrounds (location of Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival™)
Noise & Operations: What Businesses Should Expect To support international broadcasting and 24-hour event operations: -
Repair, maintenance, deliveries, and broadcast production will be permitted 24 hours a day
- Music, public address systems, and entertainment will be allowed from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
- Noise extensions and operational changes will be communicated in advance to impacted residents and businesses
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For hospitality operators near key sites, this may mean:
- Higher late-night pedestrian activity
- Increased ambient noise
- Greater demand for extended operating hours and staffing
ABLE BC encourages members to: - Begin early operational planning for summer 2026
- Review
delivery logistics and truck access (see road closures)
- Plan for extended hours, staffing, and inventory needs
- Ensure signage and advertising are fully compliant
- Monitor communications regarding restricted zones and enforcement areas
The City is also encouraging businesses to review the Community Activation Playbook, which outlines options for public viewing, permitting, event activations, and FIFA-related programming. |
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Thank You For Joining Us at ABLE BC's Fraser Valley Industry Mixer |
A big thank you to everyone who joined our sold-out ABLE BC Fraser Valley Industry Mixer in November! It was amazing to see members, partners, suppliers, and sponsors from across the liquor and cannabis industries all in one room. Your energy made the evening a huge success.
Special shoutouts: -
ABLE BC Director, Owen Coomer and The Barn Country Bar for being outstanding hosts and providing excellent service throughout the evening
- Pierre C. Bourbonnais (SuperHR Canada ) & Noemi Victorino (Harvest for Hope) for doing a fantastic job managing the registration desk and welcoming our guests
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Scott Adolph (Sculptures of Light Photography) for capturing the night. View the photo gallery here.
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Container World , thank you for being our amazing presenting sponsor and helping make the event possible
We’re currently finalizing our 2026 event plan, and we’re excited to bring you more in-person opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together throughout ABLE BC’s 50th Anniversary year. |
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. |
Reminder: Checking IDs and Minors as Agents Program |
As holiday break ramps up and kids are out of school, ABLE BC is taking a moment to remind all liquor licensees to remain diligent with ID checks and ensure staff are properly trained to prevent underage sales.
The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is the LCRB’s tool for monitoring licensees’ compliance with the prohibition against selling cannabis and liquor to minors. Under MAP, minors employed by the LCRB and supervised by inspectors will enter licensed establishments to purchase cannabis or liquor. Helpful Resources: - Learn more about preventing contraventions here.
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Purchase due diligence signage, including 2 pieces of ID required signs, in our online store.
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Login to our Member Portal to access complimentary resources, including ID signage, sample due diligence policies and templates, and webinars on topics like MAP and other inspections.
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If you need additional support with your policies and procedures or legal advice, we encourage you to reach out to our ABLE BC Experts.
If you have any questions about the Minors as Agents program, please direct them to: LCRB.CandE.Admin@gov.bc.ca. |
Reminder: LDB Holiday Hours |
LDB Wholesale Operations has shared several important updates on holiday hours, changes to container recycling fees, and single bottle pick service:
Distribution Centre Receiving Information and Wholesale Customer Centre Holiday Hours Distribution Centre (DC) Receiving Schedule Please note that the DCs will not be receiving shipments on the following dates: - December 25, 2025
- December 26, 2025
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January 1, 2026
The DCs will be closed on December 25, 2025 and January 1, 2026.
Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC) Holiday Hours To support your business needs during the holiday season, the WCC will operate with extended hours from November 17 to December 30: -
Extended hours: Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- December 24 and December 31: Open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- The WCC is closed: December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day)
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December 26: Open with extended hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more information, please click here. |
go2HR November Labour Market Update |
BC’s Tourism and Hospitality industry saw modest improvement in November. While total employment rose slightly, shifts across regions and sectors show continued unevenness in recovery. The unemployment rate declined, and some regions and roles surpassed pre-COVID levels, but others remained below. November’s labour market data shows a 1.1 percent increase in employment, rising to 332,000 from 328,500 in October. Employment remains 11,250 below November 2019 levels. The labour force declined by 1.7 percent to 351,000, while the unemployment rate dropped from 8.0 percent in October to 5.3 percent in November. Key Highlights - Employment increased by 1.1 percent to 332,000 but remains below November 2019 levels.
- The labour force declined by 1.7 percent to 351,000.
- The unemployment rate fell from 8.0 percent in October to 5.3 percent in November.
Regional Trends - Employment increased in the Cariboo, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island.
- Declines were recorded in Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay.
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Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay employment exceeded pre-COVID levels.
Sector Performance -
Employment rose in Food and Beverage, and Recreation and Entertainment sectors.
- Accommodation and Transportation and Travel sectors experienced declines.
- Accommodation and Recreation and Entertainment remain above pre-pandemic employment levels.
- Full-time employment decreased from 64 percent in October to 62 percent in November.
For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR’s Employment Tracker. |
House Committee Seeks Public Input on Temporary Foreign Worker Program Impacts |
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities is undertaking a study of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, (TFW) including its impacts on the labour market and how well it meets needs, particularly in rural areas. The Committee invites members of the public to submit written briefs no longer than 10 pages (approximately 4,000 words) for consideration in the study. For more information on how to prepare a submission, please visit HERE.
The deadline for the Committee to receive written briefs from the public is Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Briefs may be submitted electronically to the Committee Clerk at HUMA@parl.gc.ca or submitted online through the following link. |
Canadian Hospitality Top 30-Under-30 Nominations are Open |
Kostuch Media’s prestigious Top-30-Under-30 program is now accepting nominations for 2027! This initiative celebrates rising stars in Canada’s hospitality industry. Link to submit nominations is here. Nomination Deadline: December 31, 2025 Portfolio Submission: January 2026 (details sent to nominees after the deadline) Eligibility Criteria: - Must be 30 years of age or younger within this calendar year of the Top 30 awards program (May 2025 - May 2026).
- Currently reside in Canada
- Must be currently employed in Canada and working within the hospitality industry for at least the last 2 years prior to the nomination submission closing date (December 31st, 2025).
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Qualifying sectors include Casino, Stadiums, Retirement Living, Events, Tourism, Festivals, Hotels, Restaurant Operations, & Suppliers
- Nominees cannot nominate themselves. All self-nominations will be deleted.
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See here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions: Top-30-Under-30 FAQ - Hotelier Magazine
If you know a young professional making waves in hospitality, nominate them and help spotlight the next generation of leaders. |
Cannabis Corner: ABLE BC at Grow Up Industry Conference & Expo |
ABLE BC's Bo Chen will be joining the speaker lineup at the Grow Up Industry Conference & Expo, taking place January 19–21, 2026, in Vancouver.
Bo will participate in the Executive Summit powered by StratCann, speaking on an advocacy panel alongside other cannabis industry leaders and changemakers. The panel will focus on advancing collaboration, policy reform, and sustainable growth across Canada’s cannabis sector. Grow Up is one of the country’s leading cannabis conferences, bringing together over 100 world-class speakers for panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities covering cultivation, retail, extraction, and emerging trends. Learn more and register for the event at growupconference.com. |
go2HR on Tap: Keep Your Team Grounded Through Winter's Highs and Lows |
Winter brings shifting rhythms for BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry. Restaurants and pubs often face demanding holiday rushes, while tasting rooms enter slower months. Both extremes can strain teams: high job demands risk burnout, while low activity can lead to disengagement and isolation.
Employers play a crucial role in managing job demands to maintain balance. Recognizing early signs of fatigue or disconnection, creating realistic schedules, and encouraging open communication all help sustain well-being. Even simple actions, such as acknowledging effort, organizing team check-ins, or promoting downtime, can make a meaningful difference.
As the year winds down, Psychological Health & Safety (PH&S) becomes essential to keeping teams motivated and resilient. Supporting connection, clarity, and compassion is especially important during a season that isn’t easy for everyone. Many workers may be away from family, coping with difficult memories, or managing grief and loss. Taking time to recognize these realities helps ensure staff finish the season strong and ready for what’s ahead.
To help you build a healthier, more connected workplace year-round, go2HR’s offers free, one-on-one PH&S advisory sessions. Book yours today and keep your team thriving through the winter season!
Book Your FREE 1:1 Session Today |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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