Message from ABLE BC President, Liquor Hospitality Committee, FIFA World Cup, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: January 22, 2026 |
Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: -
A Message from ABLE BC President Yvan Charette
- New ABLE BC Liquor Hospitality Committee
- FIFA World Cup is Coming: What You Need to Know about Licensing & Amendments
- Downtown Vancouver BIA: 2026 Municipal Election Roundtable
- Fast Track Your Future with BCHA: Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality
- Welcoming TIABC’s New CEO: Amber Papou
- go2HR December 2025 Labour Market Update
- The 2026 WORTH Leadership Summit Returns April 1
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2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference Program Updates
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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A Message from ABLE BC President Yvan Charette |
As we begin the new year, I wanted to share a brief update on ABLE BC’s ongoing advocacy work on behalf of our industry.
Earlier this week, I met with Minister of Agriculture and Food, Hon. Lana Popham to continue discussions about ensuring BC’s liquor system remains fair, sustainable, and supportive of both consumers and the businesses that serve them. These conversations are an important part of our long-standing commitment to working collaboratively with government on responsible, business-friendly policy.
I raised several concerns we continue to hear from members, including the impact of government retail flash sales and the pricing discrepancies they create in the marketplace. In some cases, BC Liquor Stores are able to sell products at prices that private retailers cannot match through wholesale, making it increasingly difficult to compete on a level playing field.
We also discussed the imbalance in purchasing power between the government system and private retailers, and the resulting pressure this can place on agents, importers, and brand manufacturers. Finally, we touched on the BC Select program and the growing number of exclusive products that private retailers cannot access, limiting their ability to offer comparable selection and value. I appreciated the opportunity to have an open and constructive conversation, and it was encouraging to see these issues resonated.
ABLE BC will continue to advocate strongly and constructively for a more balanced, transparent, and sustainable system - one that recognizes the important role private retailers, licensees, agents, and suppliers play in BC’s economy and communities.
We look forward to continuing to build on our long-standing working relationship with our government partners and creating more opportunities for meaningful dialogue between industry and regulators in the months ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement and support. Yvan Charette President, ABLE BC president@ablebc.ca |
ABLE BC President Yvan Charette with Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food |
New ABLE BC Liquor Hospitality Committee |
We’re excited to announce the launch of ABLE BC’s Hospitality Committee. Together with President Yvan Charette and Director Owen Coomer, we are building a dedicated committee to represent liquor primaries – including pubs, bars, nightclubs, and new hospitality establishments. This committee will meet regularly to serve as both a radar for emerging trends and challenges and a think tank for policy development.
We are actively seeking members from across the province and across different types of establishments to ensure the committee reflects the diversity of BC’s liquor hospitality sector. Our goal is to emulate the success of ABLE BC’s other committees and ensure that the voice of liquor hospitality is championed effectively. More details will be announced soon in a future Liquor Industry Update.
If you are an ABLE BC member and interested in joining the committee, please contact us at comms@ablebc.ca |
FIFA World Cup is Coming: What You Need to Know about Licensing & Amendments |
With Vancouver set to take centre stage as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™, kicking off June 13, 2026, hospitality businesses across the region have a major opportunity ahead — and an important deadline to prepare for.
Some matches will begin as early as 9:00 am PST due to international broadcast schedules. View the Match Day Schedule here. If you’re planning to open earlier, stay open later, or otherwise adjust your liquor service hours to accommodate match schedules, now is the time to submit your licensing amendment application.
Application Process If you need to change your licensed hours, you’ll need to submit an application through the LCRB portal (the same system used for licence renewals). Once submitted, your application is routed to your local government for review before moving on to the Province for final approval. Depending on your municipality, there may be additional steps required, such as local fees, forms, or community consultation. Important: Many municipalities do not proactively notify applicants when an application is waiting in their system. After you submit, it’s strongly recommended that you contact your local government directly, provide your application number, and ask what (if anything) is needed to move it forward.
This simple follow-up step can help prevent unnecessary delays and keep your application on track. Licensing processes and timelines can vary by municipality, so it’s important to understand how your local government approaches amendments related to hours of service. Application Tips and Best Practices
We spoke with ABLE BC Expert and Associate Member Rebecca Hardin, President of Thrive Advisors, to get her practical advice on navigating licensing amendments ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Here are her top tips: - Start early — the process can take longer than expected
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Every municipality is different — policies, timelines, and steps vary
- Submit online first, then call your city — don’t wait for them to find your application
- Ask about fees, forms, and consultation requirements right away
Need Help Navigating This?
We encourage you to contact Rebecca at Thrive Advisors. Book your complimentary consultation here.
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. |
Downtown Vancouver BIA: 2026 Municipal Election Roundtable |
Downtown Van is convening downtown business leaders for a roundtable discussion in February to share priorities and key concerns ahead of the 2026 municipal election. Your input will: -
Help shape the themes and questions for Downtown Van's mayoral candidate forum (September 2026)
- Inform discussions with mayoral candidates and political parties
- Contribute to a public-facing summary comparing downtown business priorities with party platforms
To RSVP:
Select from the available time/dates for sessions at this survey form link. Due to limited space, please send your response by January 31st.
For more information: please contact Lucy Chuang (Member Events & Engagement Coordinator) at lucyc@dtvan.ca. |
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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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Fast Track Your Future with BCHA: Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality |
The BC Hotel Association is pleased to kick off 2026 with the next returning favourite in our Fast Track Your Future professional development series: Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality, proudly sponsored by VVS Global and facilitated by go2HR.
Running from January 14 to February 18, this six-part series is designed specifically for the hospitality industry and focuses on building strong, engaged, and high-performing teams. Participants will gain essential HR knowledge and practical tools they can apply immediately across recruitment, onboarding, retention, workplace culture, and employee relations. This series is ideal for supervisors, managers, department heads, general managers, HR professionals, and anyone involved in hiring, training, or people leadership who is looking to strengthen their HR capability and lead with confidence as we head into a new year. Session topics include: - Innovative Recruitment
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Elevating Workplace Culture
- Building Strong Teams through Effective Employee Relations
- Retention: Compensation and Reward Strategies
- Mental Health and Psychological Safety at Work
- Health and Safety
Start 2026 by investing in the skills that support your people, strengthen your operations, and fast-track career growth across your organization. |
Welcoming TIABC’s New CEO: Amber Papou |
ABLE BC would like to extend a warm congratulations and welcome to Amber Papou, who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC), effective February 1, 2026.
Amber steps into the role following the retirement of Walt Judas, who has led TIABC since 2015 and has been one of the tourism industry’s most respected and influential voices.
During his tenure, Walt played a critical role in uniting industry stakeholders and advancing British Columbia’s visitor economy — economically, socially, culturally, and through a strong sustainability lens. His career also includes senior leadership roles with Tourism Vancouver, BC Pavco, and Port Metro Vancouver. We join the broader industry in thanking Walt for his outstanding leadership and lasting contributions.
At ABLE BC, we look forward to working closely with Amber and the TIABC team and are excited about the future of collaboration between our organizations as we continue to support and strengthen BC’s hospitality and tourism sectors together.
As of February 1, Amber can be reached at apapou@tiabc.ca or 604-600-2868. |
go2HR December 2025 Labour Market Update |
BC’s Tourism and Hospitality industry showed marginal growth in December. While employment and labour force numbers edged up slightly, signs of regional and sectoral disparity remain. The unemployment rate inched higher, and overall employment continues to lag behind pre-COVID levels.
December’s labour market data reflects a 0.2 percent increase in employment, rising to 332,750 from 332,000 in November. Employment remains 24,000 below December 2019 levels. The labour force rose by 0.4 percent to 352,500, while the unemployment rate increased slightly from 5.3 percent in November to 5.6 percent in December. Key Highlights - Employment increased by 0.2 percent to 332,750 but remains below December 2019 levels.
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The labour force grew by 0.4 percent to 352,500.
Regional Trends -
Employment increased in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay.
- Declines were recorded in the Cariboo and Vancouver Island regions.
- Employment in the Thompson Okanagan and Kootenay exceeded pre-COVID levels.
Sector Performance - Employment rose in the Accommodation and Transportation and Travel sectors.
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The Food and Beverage and Recreation and Entertainment sectors experienced declines.
- Accommodation and Recreation and Entertainment remain above pre-pandemic employment levels.
- Full-time employment increased from 62 percent in November to 64 percent in December.
For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR’s Employment Tracker. |
The 2026 WORTH Leadership Summit Returns April 1 |
WORTH Association is gearing up for the WORTH Leadership Summit 2026 returning on April 1, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. As Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality, this annual gathering brings together leaders, innovators, and champions from across the sector for a full day of learning, connection, and transformation.
This year’s theme “Get Game Ready” is all about leveling up. Whether you’re a rising leader, seasoned executive, or helping your team grow their leadership skills, the Summit is designed to equip attendees with actionable tools, inspiring stories, and the kind of real-world leadership training that creates momentum long after the day is over. Encourage your networks, colleagues, and community to join us. Group registrations of 8+ from the same organization receive a discounted rate, making it easier than ever to attend as a team.
Learn more or secure group registration at www.WORTHsummit.ca or contact summit@worthassociation.com. |
2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference Program Updates |
The 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference takes place March 4–6, 2026 at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort in beautiful Kelowna, BC. The theme for the conference is ‘The Transformative Power of BC Tourism'. Program Updates: Opening and Closing Keynote Speakers
Tod Maffin joins as the Opening Keynote Speaker, former CBC Radio host and one of Canada's most distinctive voices on Canadian identity.
Tod brings sharp insight, humour, and fresh perspective to what it means to be Canadian today. His must-see keynote will help teams deepen connection while challenging us to think critically, laugh thoughtfully, and reconsider the stories we tell ourselves about who we are as a country - offering a rare and hopeful take on Canada’s future at a time when it’s needed most. Mark Brand is the Closing Keynote Speaker, a chef, social impact entrepreneur, and relentless optimist.
Mark works at the intersection of food, community, and impact. As founder of UPWARD KITCHENS, his teams serve more than 6,500 meals daily and have delivered over 6.5 million meals, demonstrating how dignity and collaboration can drive real change. His global work spans serving as Executive Chef for the American Refugee Committee, collaborating on Pope Francis’s Climate Challenge, and being named Entrepreneur in Residence for the City of Sydney, Australia.
He has also been awarded Canada’s Golden Jubilee Medal and King Charles III’s Coronation Medal for his service to country and community. Visit the conference website for full program details. 2026 Registration Information
Visit the website to view the 2026 registration fees. Full conference registrations include complete access to all conference sessions, workshops, silent auction, welcome reception, and the awards gala. |
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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. |
Cannabis Corner: ABLE BC at Vancouver's Grow Up Conference |
Earlier this week, the cannabis industry came together in Vancouver for the Grow Up Conference & Expo, a three-day event featuring panel discussions, networking, and industry events focused on the future of the sector.
ABLE BC was proud to be represented by Executive Director Bo Chen, who joined the speaker lineup at the Executive Summit powered by StratCann on January 19. Bo participated in an advocacy panel alongside industry leaders including David Brown (StratCann), Julia Cameron (Village Farms), Megan Preik (Accelerated Quality Solutions), and Sarah Campbell (Craft Cannabis Association of BC).
The discussion focused on the need for stronger collaboration, policy modernization, and a more sustainable regulatory framework to support long-term stability and growth in Canada’s cannabis industry. Bo emphasized the importance of modernizing outdated policies and working more closely with government to ensure regulation supports a responsible and competitive legal market. |
go2HR on Tap: Start 2026 Strong - Book a Free Winter JHSC Drop-In Session |
A strong start sets the tone for the year, and in Tourism & Hospitality, health and safety must stay front and centre from day one. As operations continue and plans take shape for the months ahead, now is the right time to refocus your Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and reinforce safe, effective practices that support successful operations.
go2HR’s free, expert-led JHSC Drop-in Sessions are designed to help committees stay engaged, informed, and confident in their role. These 30-minute, practical sessions can be added to your regular JHSC meetings, either virtually or in person, and are tailored to real-world challenges across BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry.
Each session utilizes relatable industry examples and interactive discussions to help committee members better understand their responsibilities, address current hazards, and enhance both occupational and psychological health and safety awareness. The result is a committee that’s more effective, more confident, and better equipped to act. Winter-relevant topics include managing snow and ice hazards, preventing cold stress and hypothermia, supporting staff after a critical incident, and addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
If 2026 is the year you want to turn your JHSC into a health and safety powerhouse, this is a practical place to start.
Book your free JHSC Drop-in Session today |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
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