Liquor Industry Update: January 12, 2023

Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,

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

  • LDB Wholesale Customer Satisfaction Survey

  • Results of BC's Cannabis Engagement in 'What We Heard' Report

  • Order Your 2023 Drivers License ID Checking Guides Now

  • Seeking Volunteers for ABLE BC Event Planning Committee

  • Les Dames d'Escoffier Scholarship Application Now Open

  • Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars

  • Benefit Highlight: BCHA Workforce Strategist

  • Out and About with ABLE BC! 

Find all past updates here.

LDB Wholesale Customer Satisfaction Survey

We are sharing the following message and survey from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Please complete the survey by 5:00 pm on February 3, 2023. 

This is an important survey that will inform decisions at LDB Wholesale Operations and we strongly encourage you to participate. Your feedback is essential in improving delivery and customer service experiences.

From LDB:

LDB Liquor Wholesale Operations is surveying customers to gather information on their experiences so that we can focus attention and resources on areas necessary to better meet their needs. 

This survey is designed to capture the performance of the LDB Wholesale Operations division over the past 12 months.  

Wholesale and hospitality customers will be receiving a memo encouraging them to provide their feedback via a link to the survey that will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Click here to take the survey or here for more information.

Results of BC’s Cannabis Engagement in ‘What We Heard’ Report

In April 2022, the BC government sought input from the public on cannabis consumption spaces. 

A cannabis consumption space is a general term that refers to a business, special event, or other establishment providing cannabis for sale and use on-site.

Theprovince is considering whether to allow cannabis consumption spaces and, if so, how they should be regulated.

We shared government's survey on cannabis consumption spaces with ABLE members and encouraged you to fill out our own survey on the topic. We used your feedback to submit a response to government that summarized industry’s thoughts on these spaces.  

Earlier this week, government released the results of this engagement in the What We Heard report. 

Some highlights from the report include:

  • 61% of telephone respondents and 34% of online respondents supported cannabis consumption spaces.

  • The majority of people who use cannabis would visit a cannabis consumption space and were most interested in cafes/lounges. Those who do not use cannabis indicated they would avoid events and businesses with cannabis consumption spaces.

  • Respondents were most concerned about co-location of alcohol and cannabis and potential increased risk of people driving impaired.

  • 61% of telephone respondents were in support of cannabis consumption space. Online and written submissions reflected strong support for or against cannabis consumption spaces that aligned with the respondents consumption habits

Click here to read the report or here for more information.

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.

Seeking Volunteers for ABLE BC Event Planning Committee

ABLE BC is planning several events in 2023 and we need your help! 

If you are an ABLE member in good standing looking for ways to get involved and further support ABLE, then consider joining the ABLE BC event planning committee.

This committee will meet regularly to discuss event ideas and logistics for both virtual and in-person events. Committee members may be asked to assist with venue booking, vendor booking, circulating invitations, day-of setup, and post-event follow-up. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication at ann@ablebc.ca.

Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship Applications Now Open

The BC chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has up to $20,000 in scholarships to award this year! Applications are now open to BC residents who identify as women or non-binary. Scholarships are available to further your training in culinary, beverage, agriculture, aquaculture, and other hospitality fields. 

Applications close at midnight on February 13, 2023. 

Scholarships are open to BC women of any age and at any stage of their career who are looking to either refine or expand their expertise at a credible educational institution of their choice anywhere in the world. 

Scholarships are awarded on merit, ability, commitment, and passion. 

Important Details:

  • The deadline for applications is February 13, 2023

  • Applicants must be BC residents 

  • Applications are available online 

  • Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the Scholarship Committee comprised of Les Dames members. 

  • Successful applicants will be announced in March 2023

If you have questions, please contact:

Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars

ABLE BC Post-Holiday Reception January 26, 2023

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, ABLE BC is hosting a post-holiday reception from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Uber Lounger at Steamworks Brew Pub, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. Food and drinks are generously provided by Foodbuy.

Please RSVP for the reception to Ann Brydle (Manager of Membership & Communication) at ann@ablebc.ca. 

Date: Thursday, January 26, 2023

Time: 5:00-7:00 pm

Location: Steamworks Brewpub, 375 Water Street, Vancouver

RSVP: ann@ablebc.ca 

BCHA Education Series

BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series is back by popular demand! The series features THREE live six-week courses–along with access to an on demand Online Learning Centre–that provide practical, actionable, and easily digestible guidance from the industry's leading experts and trainers. 

CLICK HERE to learn more and register. 

Vancouver IVSA Buyers’ Tasting Salon January 31, 2023

The Vancouver IVSA Buyers’ Tasting Salon is coming up soon! RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca now to sample products from several liquor agents.

When: Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 12:30-4:00 pm

Where: The Vancouver Club, 915 W Hastings Street

Agents will showcase the newest imported wines, spirits & beers. Also look for unique featured imports. Attendance may be restricted to the following: licensee buyers, proprietors, sommeliers, managers, chefs, media, BCLS product consultants, and industry partners.

RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca with your full name and company. 

2023 Best Sommelier BC Competition

The annual BC Best Sommelier Competition, run by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers British Columbia Chapter (CAPS BC)brings together the region's best talent and brightest minds in wine to tackle a rigorous written exam and a hands-on practical test that will put the top finishers through their paces.

The candidates will sit for the morning's exam, and the top three scorers will move on to be tested further at the live competition. They will be tasked with all sorts of practical wine service challenges, like decanting, sparkling wine service, menu pairing, spotting errors on a wine list, and blind tasting/identification.

When: Monday, February 27, 2023, 11:00 am-5:00 pm

Where: Rogers Arena

Tickets: $15 for non-CAPS members and FREE for CAPS members. 

Register here. 

Victoria IVSA Buyers’ Tasting Salon February 28, 2023

The Victoria IVSA Buyers’ Tasting Salon is coming up soon! RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca now to sample products from several liquor agents.

When: Tuesday, February 28, 2023

More details coming soon!

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: BCHA Workforce Strategist, Alison Langford

Get a head start on summer recruiting now with help from Alison Langford, Workforce Strategist for the BC Hotel Association (BCHA). Alison works directly with BCHA members to help them navigate the confusing, challenging, and competitive international and domestic recruitment options. 

Did you know that Alison is available to help ABLE BC members, too?

ABLE members are eligible for a complimentary recruiting consultation with Alison. During your one-on-one session, Alison will review your workforce needs and discuss options available to support your hiring efforts. After an initial consultation, ABLE members who are not dual BCHA members will be subject to a one-time $250 + GST fee for follow-up meetings, further consultations, and other efforts performed by Alison. Dual BCHA & ABLE members will receive priority service.

Alison can help you with:

  • Temporary Foreign Worker program guidance and LMIA application

  • Provincial Nominee Program Guidance and application

  • Vetting of provincial workforce initiatives

  • Permanent residency issues

  • Coordinate with private post-secondary schools and training programs

  • Domestic recruiting efforts for unemployed

  • Contract labour services

  • Business advisory services to pivot operations or re-position a business

Contact Alison at alison@bcha.com to set up a meeting. 

Click here for more recruitment resources from BCHA.

Out and About with ABLE BC!

Now that the holidays are behind us, the ABLE BC is back to work fighting for the needs of our industry. We’ll be sending out lots of information soon on upcoming projects and events, including the launch of our brand new members-only website, LRS and LP Benchmark surveys, webinars, and member meetings across the province. 

This week, Jeff and ABLE’s President Yvan Charette are attending the Lift Cannabis Conference in Vancouver to connect with cannabis retail members and industry partners. If you’re planning to attend this conference, make sure to say hi to Jeff and Yvan!

We’re getting ready for our post-holiday reception taking place on January 26th. If you would like to attend, please email Ann at ann@ablebc.ca. 

In case you missed it, our Executive Director Jeff Guignard was in the news recently:

Ann Brydle