Happy New Year from ABLE BC, New LCRB Policies, Upcoming Webinars, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: January 8, 2026 |
Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: -
Happy New Year from ABLE BC
- In Case You Missed It: New LCRB Policies for Manufacturers
- Fast Track Your Future with BCHA: Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality
- Free Webinar with go2HR: Building the Business Case for Psychological Health & Safety
- Vancouver: Temporary Bylaw Changes for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Vancouver Set to Overhaul Sidewalk and Street Patio Policies in 2026
ABLE BC Board Meeting Notice: January 23, 2026 House Committee Seeks Public Input on Temporary Foreign Worker Program Impacts
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Happy New Year from ABLE BC |
Happy New Year from ABLE BC! We hope you had a busy and successful holiday season and that you were able to find some time to rest and connect with friends and family. Our team is back in the office after a short break, refreshed and ready to spend another year advocating for our members in the private liquor, hospitality, and cannabis industry in BC. We’re already busy mapping out the year ahead and are excited about what’s in store for our members and industry partners in 2026.
We wrapped up 2025 on a strong note with a visit to Victoria, where ABLE BC met with the Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. It was a productive and encouraging engagement about the roles our industries plays in BC’s economy and communities, and we’re looking forward to continuing this important dialogue in the year ahead.
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ABLE BC in Victoria with Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food |
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. We’ll be sharing more details soon about what’s coming up and how you can get involved.
As many of you may have seen, ABLE BC appointed Bo Chen as Executive Director following his successful tenure as Interim ED.
As Bo steps into the role, a key focus is strengthening and streamlining ABLE BC’s processes - particularly around advocacy, communications, and programs & benefits - to ensure the association is working as effectively, efficiently, and transparently as possible for members. This work will support stronger advocacy outcomes and an even better member experience as ABLE BC continues to evolve and grow in its 50th Anniversary year. |
In Case You Missed It: New LCRB Policies for Manufacturers |
At the end of 2025, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) introduced important updates to manufacturer licences, aimed at supporting innovation and streamlining licensing requirements for wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Bulletin 25-05: Update to Manufacturer Terms and Conditions for producing non-intoxicating beverages
Effective November 28, 2025, manufacturers may use their facilities to produce non-intoxicating beverages such as soda, tonic, non-alcoholic, and de-alcoholized liquor products - and may also sell and serve samples of these beverages in a sampling area.
This clarification supports ongoing innovation in the sector and aligns the terms and conditions with current industry practice.
Licensees are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements from other relevant agencies related to production and sale. If manufacturer facilities are used to produce non-intoxicating beverages, a licensee must continue to use the establishment for the manufacture of alcohol to maintain their licence.
Read more here. Bulletin 25-06: Repeal of the 4,500-Litre Minimum Production Requirement for Wineries Effective December 8, 2025, the LCRB is removing the 4,500-litre annual minimum production requirement from the winery licence renewal criteria. This change reduces administrative burden for licensees, streamlines licensing requirements across all manufacturers, and responds to industry feedback following the 2024 B.C. grape shortage.
Going forward, wineries will be treated the same as breweries and distilleries. Liquor production will continue to be assessed to determine if a manufacturer's licence is active or dormant. Manufacturer licences that are deemed dormant must follow dormancy rules. No action is required from licensees for this change to take effect. Read more here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.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. |
Free Webinar with go2HR: Building the Business Case for Psychological Health & Safety |
In Tourism & Hospitality, great service starts with employees who feel psychologically safe and supported. This webinar will show how investing in Psychological Health and Safety (PH&S) reduces turnover, lowers sick days, and strengthens guest satisfaction.
Drawing on real examples from the industry, you’ll explore the measurable benefits of making employee well-being a business priority, and gain practical strategies to build a strong case for investment.
Webinar Details: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM PST | Online What You’ll Learn -
Understand how investing in PH&S reduces turnover, absenteeism, and WorkSafeBC claims
- Communicate the value of PH&S initiatives to owners, managers, and decision-makers
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Use real-world examples from Tourism & Hospitality to demonstrate the financial and operational benefits
- Build a compelling case for making PH&S part of everyday business strategy
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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.
View the Match Day Schedule here. |
Vancouver Set to Overhaul Sidewalk and Street Patio Policies in 2026 |
The City of Vancouver is preparing for a significant update to its sidewalk and curbside street patio policies, with changes expected to take effect for the 2026 patio season, pending City Council approval.
A City staff report presented to Council in November 2025 outlined a new framework designed to make patios more accessible, visually appealing, and commercially viable, while also introducing gradual permit fee increases to support long-term program sustainability.
Please refer to our November 27 Industry Update for a full summary of the proposed changes. What Businesses Should Do Now
While final approval is still pending, businesses are strongly encouraged to begin preparing and submitting their amendment applications as early as possible to avoid delays ahead of the 2026 patio season.
Early preparation will be critical given the upcoming changes to design, accessibility, and permitting processes. Patio Resources for Licensees |
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ABLE BC Board Meeting Notice: January 23, 2026 |
ABLE BC's Board of Directors has called for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held virtually on Friday, January 23 at 9:00 am PST. The meeting will be held online via Microsoft Teams. The meeting link will be provided upon registration. Meeting Agenda: - Approval of the Alliance’s 2022-24 Financial Statements;
- Approval of Alliance’s draft of 2025 Financial Statements;
- Any additional business put forward by the Board of Directors
How to Register: If you are a voting member in good standing and would like to attend or who is unable to attend and would like to designate a proxy for you at the EGM, please email Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca). |
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. |
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. |
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: 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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