Liquor Industry Update: December 8, 2022

Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,

Here's what you’ll find in today’s update:

  • ABLE BC Holiday Office Closure & Post-Holiday Reception

  • Premier Eby Announces New Cabinet

  • Order Your 2023 Drivers License ID Checking Guides Now

  • Immigration Policy Changes Announced to Support Recruitment

  • Food Delivery Service Fee Act Finalized

  • ABLE BC's 2022 Advocacy Report: Strengthening Your Business

  • ICBC Impaired Driving Campaign

  • Canada Summer Jobs 2023 Call for Applications

  • Updates From WORTH Association

  • Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Compensation Survey 

  • COVID-19 Lessons Learned Report

  • Last Chance for Talent MATCH One-on-One Consultations

  • Fets Whisky Kitchen Wins Legal Battle

  • Have You Renewed Your ABLE BC Membership?

  • Pictures From SPARK: BC Hotel & Liquor Conference

  • Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars

  • Benefit Highlight: VI Banking

  • Celebrating our Industry

  • Out and About with ABLE BC! 

Find all past updates here.

ABLE BC Holiday Office Closure & Post-Holiday Reception

The ABLE BC office will be closed from December 23, 2022-January 9, 2023. We will not be sending out a newsletter during this period but we will be sure to keep you informed should anything urgent arise. We will resume the bi-weekly Industry Update newsletter on January 12, 2023.

Save the date! ABLE BC will be hosting a post-holiday reception and Annual General Meeting on January 26, 2023 in Vancouver. We will be sharing more details soon.

Premier Eby Announces New Cabinet

Premier David Eby has announced a new cabinet made of experience and new energy that will focus on tackling the problems people are facing, and working to make life better for British Columbians.

ABLE BC would like to congratulate all new and returning Ministers. We look forward to working with the Premier and the new cabinet in the coming days. 

Click here to read the government press release.

Immigration Policy Changes Announced to Support Recruitment

Last week, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC), Sean Fraser, and the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Randy Boissonnault, announced TWO policy changes that will remove some barriers surrounding international recruitment. 

Work Permits for TFW Family Members 

International Experience Canada Program boosted by 20% 

  • A 20% increase in the number of applicants eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program was also announced.

  • The IEC Program allows youth from Canada’s partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to 2 years and includes the Working Holiday, International Co-op, and Young Professionals categories. Applicants will be able to apply as of January 9, 2023.

Order Your 2023 Drivers License ID Checking Guides Now

The NEW 2023 North American ID Checking Guide and 15th Edition International ID Checking Guide are now available to order through ABLE BC.

Each edition includes additions of new licenses and ID cards and the elimination of no longer current formats. There are also dozens of important changes with respect to interim licenses, enhanced licenses, terms of licenses and other details such as changes to security features.

The 15th Edition International Guide covers driver’s licenses and ID cards from 174 countries with many new format ID documents added to this edition. Full page coverage of each country’s IDs make it easy to check the material, the codes, and the security features of each documents. 

The 2023 North American Guide is a comprehensive volume of all valid IDs in both the US and Canada.

Place your order HERE by Friday, January 20, 2023.

The ID Checking Guidebooks help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver's licenses and ID cards - your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats. 

Anticipated 2023 prices:

  • North American Guidebook: $16.60 USD per book

  • International Guidebook: $37.00 USD per book

  • Please note these prices do not include shipping and handling or reflect the US-Canadian conversion rate

Expected shipping date: February-March 2023

ABLE BC members get exclusive access to our group-buying discount. We will place a bulk order and the cost is dependent on the quantity ordered. In prior years, we have secured the lowest cost for our members, based on the large quantity ordered.

Non-ABLE BC members can also access the group-buying discount. Please note there is a $15 surcharge on non-member orders.

Place your order by January 20, 2023.

Food Delivery Service Fee Act Finalized

The BC government has finalized the outstanding implementation elements of the Food Delivery Service Fee Act (FDSA). The new legislation will take effect on January 1, 2023, immediately following the expiry of the current temporary fee cap.

The FDSA limits fees for core services that delivery companies can charge bars, pubs, and restaurants to a maximum of 20 per cent.

The act also prohibits delivery companies from reducing driver compensation, ensuring employees and contractors continue to be paid their wages and gratuities. 

This legislation is in direct response to advocacy from ABLE BC and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA). We are grateful to Minister Ravi Kahlon and the BC government for understanding the concerns of BC's hospitality and liquor businesses and supporting industry as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Click here to read the Regulation.

ABLE BC’s 2022 Advocacy Report: Strengthening Your Business

Read the 2022 Advocacy Report: Strengthening your Business to learn more about how the ABLE BC team and Board of Directors work to support your business.

Here's what you'll find inside:

  • A message from ABLE BC's President, Yvan Charette

  • How ABLE BC supports members every day

  • Information on the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP)

  • A re-cap of our historic policy wins

  • The work we did during the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) strike

  • Policy priorities from the LRS and LP Committees

  • And more!

Click here to download the report.

ICBC Impaired Driving Campaign

On November 30, 2022, ICBC launched their Winter Impaired Driving & Counter Attack Campaign. 

ICBC has teamed up with police, urging drivers to be responsible and plan ahead for a safe ride home this holiday season. At this time of year, impaired driving is a serious concern in our province. It remains one of the top three contributing factors for fatal crashes in BC, claiming the lives of 64 people every year. It's important to remind people not to drive if they've been drinking, and the holiday season serves as a good reminder. 

Road Safety & Community Coordinators will be out supporting local enforcement initiatives across BC throughout December. 

Click here for more information about impaired driving. 

Canada Summer Jobs 2023 Call for Applications

Looking to hire youth next summer? Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies for not-for-profits and organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create quality work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

The Canada Summer Jobs employer application period is now open until January 12, 2023. 

Click here to register for an information session.

Updates From WORTH Association

Volunteer opportunities: WORTH Association is currently recruiting for several volunteer positions for the Board of Directors, committees, and other general positions. Click here for more information and to apply. 

Advocacy survey: The WORTH advocacy committee has prepared a survey for industry folks to share input on where WORTH’s efforts are best focused. The results of the survey will help shape WORTH’s resources and tools for the future. Click here to take the survey. 

Mentorship program 2023: Intake for the 2023 WORTH Association Mentorship Program is now open! This program matches mentees with experienced leaders in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality fields for a 6-month period beginning in January. 

Mentees will have the opportunity to engage with a positive role model, build leadership skills, and develop connections within the community. Click here to learn more and apply to be a mentor or mentee.

Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Compensation Survey

Tourism HR Canada is conducting a compensation study for the Canadian tourism and hospitality sector. The aim is to get a comprehensive picture of how tourism business operators think about compensation within the context of COVID-19 recovery and the ongoing labour crunch affecting the sector.

Data collected will help develop a profile of Canada’s tourism workforce across all industries, occupations, and regions. The survey is entirely confidential, and your responses will be pooled for analysis, and only be reported in aggregate form.

Click here to take the survey.

COVID-19 Lessons Learned Report

In March 2022, the BC Government announced an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The independent review was led by Bob de Faye, Daniel Perrin, and Chris Trumpy. 

The BC Government has announced the results of this independent review and public consultation after the independent review project team spoke with over 200 people representing about 145 groups and organizations in over 70 engagement sessions. 

Click here to read the full report.

Last Chance for Talent MATCH One-on-One Consultations

The Talent MATCH and Talent 4 Non-Profits programs have been supporting museums, arts, tourism, culture, hospitality, and non-profit organizations since early 2021 with resources and one-on-one support on the process of hiring students as well as information on wage subsidy programs and HR tips. Sadly the programs will be coming to a close at the end of this year. 

While more resources will continue to be available on the Talent MATCH and Talent 4 Non-Profits webpages, one-on-one consultations will conclude on December 23, 2022. 

Want some assistance with your short or long-term planning? Book a meeting with the Program Manager by emailing TalentMATCH@acewilbc.ca.

Fets Whisky Kitchen Wins Legal Battle 

In January 2018, Fets Whisky Kitchen was the target of a raid that saw the seizure of over 200 bottles of rare Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies. Now, after five years, two enforcement hearings, and a Judicial Review, Fets Whisky Kitchen has had their whisky returned!

Click here to read a message from owners Allura and Eric Fergie.

Have You Renewed Your ABLE BC Membership? 

ABLE BC memberships expired on August 31, 2022. All members have been sent an invoice.

Please make sure to renew before December 15, 2022, or your membership will be cancelled.

If you have not received your invoice or if you would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication, at ann@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560.

Thank you to everyone who has renewed already! Your support is critical to our industry’s success.

Pictures From SPARK: BC Hotel & Liquor Conference

Last month we hosted the first ever SPARK: BC Hotel & Liquor Conference with our friends at the BC Hotel Association. 

Click here and use password SPARK2022 to view pictures from the conference from our on-site photographer, Brad Kasselman.

Sharing pictures on your social media? Make sure to credit @kasselmancreative and tag @ablebc and @bchotelassociation.

The event was a great success with engaging and informative presentations for the liquor and hospitality industries at both Nest and Waterfront Theatres, a delicious lunch from Dockside Restaurant with entertainment from comedian Julie Kim, and a fun networking reception with drinks and snacks at Performance Works. 

Click here to view presentation decks from some of the sessions.

Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars

New Year, New Tactics: 5 Leadership Tools to Bring into 2023, December 14, 2022

Start the new year with a fresh mindset and refined set of skills and learn 5 key leadership tools to take into 2023. Join the BCHA & Jennifer Woppenkamp, Associate at Blue Mountain Solutions, on December 14 at 1:00 pm, for an enlightening session to help business leaders streamline their efforts and tap into the potential of their teams.

Date: December 14, 2022

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Zoom

Register here

BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference March 1-3, 2023

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) are excited to announce the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will return March 1-3, 2023.

The 2023 conference will take place in Prince George and will bring an array of unique industry speakers and topics relating to the next chapter of tourism and hospitality within our province.

Click here to learn more.

Vancouver Cocktail Week March 5-11, 2023

Presented by The Alchemist magazine, the second annual Vancouver Cocktail Week will be held March 5 to 11, 2023, at venues across Vancouver. It will be a showcase of the city’s immense bartending talent, with events ranging from seminars, happy hours, and cocktail-paired dinners to the opening elevated brunch at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and closing gala at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Vancouver Cocktail Week is also proud to partner with Diageo World Class Canada and to support the BC Hospitality Foundation.

Click here for more information.

Benefit Highlight: VI Banking ATM

Since 2015, ABLE BC has been pleased to partner with VI Banking ATM as the Alliance's preferred ATM supplier.

ABLE BC is committed to bringing the best services, products, and providers to our membership. This commitment was a driving force in negotiating this ATM agreement, exclusively designed for ABLE BC Members.

Features of VI Banking ATM agreements include:

  • All ATMs are 2019 models

  • All agreements are day-to-day. You are never stuck in long-term agreements with auto-rollovers or right-of-first refusals

  • No cancellation fees or charges. Just provide 48 hours notice and your ATM will be removed at no cost

  • No installation, maintenance, or upgrade fees or charges 

  • Complimentary ATM paper

  • No deposit or processing fees

  • Optional cash loading services

  • VI Banking ATMs process all cards globally

  • Service is always within 24 hours 

  • Some conditions apply

Click here to learn more about VI Banking ATM for ABLE BC members.

For more information please contact: 

Celebrating our Industry

Indigenous Tourism BC Celebrates 25 Years

On December 1, 2022 on the shared territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, ITBC Stakeholders, and friends gathered in Vancouver to announce newly-elected board members at the 2022 Annual General Meeting and celebrate ITBC’s 25th anniversary.

ITBC honoured the organization’s founding volunteers, long standing partners, and Indigenous tourism operators who have contributed more than two decades of dedicated service to Indigenous communities and businesses in BC. Sharon Bond, Beverley O’Neil, Sandra White, and Rod Harris paid homage to ITBC’s 25-year journey from its foundation as a group of committed and tourism-savvy Indigenous volunteers to its present-day position as a global leader in Indigenous tourism, with almost 500 registered Indigenous tourism operators and a highly-skilled team

Click here for more information.

2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards nominations are now open! 

The Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate the excellence, leadership, and innovation in British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. They exemplify a standard of excellence for operators and employees in the industry, showcasing the province’s best products, services, experiences, and people. 

Know any exceptional industry members that deserve recognition?

Submit a nomination before December 15, 2022 for one of the following categories:

  • Indigenous Operator or Experience

  • Sustainability

  • Employees First

  • Business Woman of the Year

  • Innovation

  • Community Contribution & Impact

  • Professional Excellence

  • Access and Inclusion

  • Remarkable Experience

Click here to learn more. 

We want to celebrate you! Is your business hosting a special event or fundraiser? Are you celebrating an anniversary or important milestone? Has someone on your team been promoted or completed a certification? Have you opened a new or renovated location?

Let us know about your special moments, your amazing teams, and the things you’re most proud of. We’ll share your achievements in our newsletter or our social channels. 

Contact Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication, at ann@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560.

Out and About with ABLE BC!

As the holidays quickly approach, we know our members are busy tending to guests, receiving large orders, and preparing their staff for a busy few weeks.

ABLE BC is here to help you get prepared for the holidays! If you are in need of support with due diligence materials, HR resources, or you would like to connect with one of our benefit providers, please reach out to us. You can reach Ann at ann@ablebc.ca or Jeff at jeff@ablebc.ca.

The ABLE office will be closed for the holidays from December 23, 2022-January 9, 2023, but we will be reachable for urgent matters. We aren't planning to send out an Industry Update newsletter during this period, but we will keep you informed of any important changes that could affect your business.

Ann Brydle