Early Membership Renewal, Meet our Community Ambassador, Temporary Patios Extended, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
July 23, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Early Reminder: ABLE BC Membership Renewal |
ABLE BC memberships are due for renewal by August 31, 2026.
Your membership is more than an annual renewal—it directly supports the advocacy work that ensures BC's hospitality and private liquor retail sector has a strong, united voice with government. Membership dues enable ABLE BC to advocate on behalf of licensees, build relationships with decision-makers, monitor emerging issues, and ensure liquor is represented alongside other well-established industries across British Columbia. As a member, you're helping strengthen our industry's voice and supporting the ongoing work that protects and advances the interests of BC's liquor industry. Renewing is easy. Simply log in to the Member Portal and follow the renewal instructions on your dashboard. Questions or need assistance?
Contact Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca for help accessing your account or completing your renewal.
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ICYMI: Changes to LDB Wholesale Service for Hospitality Licensees |
If you missed it, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has updated its wholesale delivery service for hospitality licensees.
As of July 13, 2026, hospitality customers must order a minimum of 30 cases per week to remain eligible for direct warehouse delivery, in accordance with the WCC Order Handbook. Hospitality licensees that do not meet this threshold will now be served through a local BC Liquor Store (BCLS) or by ordering through an affiliated Licensee Retail Store (LRS). Web Store access has also been discontinued for accounts transitioned to BCLS/LRS service.
For many hospitality businesses, this means working more closely with your local LRS for product ordering and fulfillment. Building a strong relationship with your neighbourhood retailer can help streamline ordering and provide greater flexibility for your business.
Be sure to check out the next article to learn about the new ABLE BC x BCRFA member benefit, designed to strengthen connections between hospitality operators and the LRS community. |
Exclusive Opportunity for LRS to Connect with BC's Food & Beverage Operators |
With recent changes to the BC Liquor Distribution Branch's wholesale service model, many hospitality licensees are now sourcing products through their local Licensee Retail Store (LRS) rather than receiving direct warehouse deliveries. Combined with BC's expanded licensee-to-licensee purchasing framework, this creates a significant opportunity for private liquor stores to build new relationships with restaurants, bars, pubs, and other hospitality businesses.
To help foster these connections, ABLE BC has partnered with the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA) to launch a Private Liquor Directory that will be shared with more than 5,000 food and beverage operators across British Columbia. This exclusive opportunity is available only to ABLE BC Private Liquor Store Members. For $250, participating retailers will receive five months of promotion through BCRFA channels, helping hospitality operators discover trusted retail partners for their purchasing needs. The directory is designed to connect hospitality businesses with private retailers that can offer: - Access to specialty and hard-to-find products
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Flexible purchasing options through licensee-to-licensee sales
- Support for innovative beverage programs
- Ongoing local retail partnerships
If you're a hospitality operator looking to better understand licensee-to-licensee purchasing, be sure to review ABLE BC's Licensee-to-Licensee Sales FAQ for answers to common questions about how the program works.
If you're an ABLE BC Private Liquor Store Member interested in being included in the directory, contact Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca. |
Update on Direct to Consumer Alcohol Sales |
Canada is one step closer to opening direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales across provincial borders.
On July 21, premiers from nine provinces signed a final agreement to implement direct-to-consumer sales of alcoholic beverages between participating jurisdictions. While several provinces have already launched their DTC programs, British Columbia has committed to implementing a system for all beverage alcohol categories by February 2027.
ABLE BC welcomes efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and expand opportunities for Canadian consumers and producers. Since the original Memorandum of Understanding was signed in July 2025, we have been actively engaged in discussions with government to help shape how these changes are implemented in British Columbia. Earlier this year, we also provided input to the Province as part of its policy development work.
While increased consumer choice and improved market access are positive steps, successful implementation requires a balanced approach that supports BC's existing liquor and hospitality ecosystem alongside new opportunities. In our engagements with government, ABLE BC encouraged consideration of several key principles, including: -
Wholesale access to eligible DTC products, allowing BC private liquor stores and hospitality licensees to source qualifying products directly from out-of-province producers.
- Pricing fairness and market integrity, ensuring DTC sales complement BC's existing small businesses and retail network.
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Public safety and accountability, including measures for age verification, regulatory compliance, responsible service, and measures to deter illicit sales and unauthorized activity.
As ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen notes:
"From an economic view, 'trade' typically refers to business-to-business, so with these efforts to reduce barriers to trade, I'm optimistic that our regulatory partners in BC will also consider extending these benefits to existing small businesses in local communities that have helped shape the province's liquor and hospitality landscape." As implementation work continues over the coming months, ABLE BC will continue advocating for a framework that expands opportunities while strengthening the broader industry that serves consumers across British Columbia.
As a member of the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP), ABLE BC will continue engaging with government partners and industry stakeholders to ensure the needs and perspectives of BC's liquor and hospitality industry are reflected throughout implementation. We will keep members informed as details become available and continue ensuring your voice is represented as these changes move forward.
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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. |
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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 membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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Update on US Tariffs and Canadian Alcohol |
The United States has announced additional tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, including alcoholic beverages, as part of the latest developments in the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade dispute. The new measures are expected to take effect in August and include Canadian beer, wine, spirits, cider, and other beverage alcohol products exported to the U.S.
While the full implications for BC's liquor industry are still unfolding, the tariffs are expected to create additional challenges for Canadian producers exporting to the U.S. market. Industry and government stakeholders across Canada are continuing to assess the potential impacts and monitor ongoing trade discussions.
ABLE BC will continue to monitor developments and share updates with members as more information becomes available and as any implications for BC's liquor and hospitality sectors become clearer. |
Diageo Sells Bottling Plant in Ontario |
Diageo has announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its former bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario. The facility, which was used to bottle Crown Royal Canadian whisky, closed earlier this year as part of Diageo’s broader efforts to restructure and optimize its North American manufacturing operations.
The Amherstburg plant was listed for sale following Diageo’s August 2025 announcement that operations would cease at the site. The closure impacted approximately 200 positions in the Amherstburg community.
Details about the purchaser have not yet been released. Diageo has confirmed that a purchase and sale agreement has been signed and indicated that additional information will be shared when appropriate.
The announcement follows discussions between Diageo, the Ontario government, and local stakeholders regarding the future of the facility and Canadian operations. Diageo has previously stated that Crown Royal will continue to be produced in Canada, with mashing, distilling, and aging operations continuing at other Canadian facilities.
ABLE BC will continue to monitor developments that may impact BC’s liquor industry and share relevant updates with members as they become available. |
Wine Growers BC Opens Board Nominations |
Wine Growers BC is now accepting nominations for its 2026-27 Board of Directors.
The Board provides strategic leadership for the organization, helping ensure its priorities reflect the needs and interests of wineries of all sizes and from every region of British Columbia. Wine Growers BC encourages engaged and experienced members to consider putting their names forward to help shape the future of the province's wine industry.
Full Winery Members in good standing may nominate candidates within their winery membership category. Nomination forms must be supported by two members from the same category and submitted by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, August 14, 2026. Request the nomination package HERE: AGM@WineBC.com. |
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. |
WorkSafeBC Releases 2027 Insurance Rates |
WorkSafeBC has released its preliminary industry rates for 2027, presenting a mixed outlook for British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sectors. While some industry categories are expected to see modest rate decreases compared with 2026, others are facing more substantial increases, resulting in varying cost implications for businesses across the sector.
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Member Spotlight: Marquis Wine Cellars |
For more than 30 years, Marquis Wine Cellars has been helping Vancouver wine lovers discover exceptional bottles, unique producers, and new experiences through a passion for quality, curiosity, and personal connection. Located in the heart of Vancouver, Marquis Wine Cellars has built its reputation on a simple philosophy: great wine is about more than scores and trends—it’s about discovery, storytelling, and finding the right bottle for every customer. |
At the heart of Marquis Wine Cellars are five core values that guide their approach to wine, customer service, and community: - Can-Do Attitude
- The Marquis Experience
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Great Wines All The Time
- Experience
- Community-Based
Congratulations to Marquis Wine Cellars on being named “Vancouver’s Best Wine Shop” at the Vancouver Wine Festival 2026!
Thank you for being a valued ABLE BC member and for your continued contribution to BC’s private liquor retail community. |
Cannabis Corner: Western Financial Group x ABLE BC Cannabis Retail Insurance Session |
Join ABLE BC and Western Financial Group for a virtual session on: Cannabis Retail Insurance – The Need-to-Knows. Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Time: 11:00 am to 11:45 am PST (30 minute presentation + 15 minute live Q&A)
Location: Microsoft Teams (link provided after registering) Join us for a practical session covering the insurance fundamentals every cannabis retailer should know.
In just 30 minutes, we'll walk through the current insurance marketplace, explain the key coverages your business should consider, discuss the importance of insuring to value, and share practical tips to help you make informed decisions when purchasing or renewing your policy. We'll wrap up with a live Q&A to answer your questions. Learn more and register here. Who can attend? This complimentary session is open to current ABLE BC Cannabis Retail Members. Not a member yet? Join ABLE BC today or contact Nicole at membership@ablebc.ca if you're unsure of your membership status or would like to learn more about becoming a member. |
go2HR on Tap: Mini Sessions to Help Your Team Beat Summer Burnout |
As pubs and bars manage busy patios, longer operating hours, and higher customer volumes, supporting your team's mental health is just as important as preparing for the operational demands of the busy summer season.
To help, go2HR is offering free, customized 30-minute virtual sessions for tourism and hospitality employers. Think of them as exclusive webinars, tailored to your whole team or focused specifically on your people leaders; the choice is yours. Simply choose a topic, submit a short contact form, and go2HR's Health and Safety team will take care of the rest.
Choose from: - Seasonal Burnout: Learn how to recognize early warning signs and support a more sustainable workplace.
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Workplace Psychological Safety: Build trust so employees feel comfortable speaking up about stress and workload.
- Supporting the Summer Rush: Get practical tools to strengthen communication and support your team during peak demand.
Sessions can be joined together from a meeting room or attended individually using the meeting link, whatever works best for your team's schedule.
Summer availability is filling up quickly, so book your free mini session today. Book Your Mini Session Today: https://www.go2hr.ca/health-safety/contact-us Free Tools and Resources to Support Your Team
Looking for more free support? Explore go2HR's Psychological Health and Safety Resource Hub for BC tourism and hospitality employers.
Find practical tools, templates, articles, videos, and downloadable resources designed to support workplace wellbeing, burnout prevention, mental health, psychologically safer workplaces, and much more.
Access the PH&S Resource Hub: https://www.go2hr.ca/health-safety/mental-health-at-work |
Top: ABLE BC Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin and the Truffles Group
Below Left: ABLE BC @ BC Business House with Minister Lana Popham & Industry Allies, Ken Beattie (BC Craft Brewers Guild) & Jeff Guignard (Wines of BC)
Below Right: ABLE BC Executive Director, Bo Chen sampling wines at an industry event in Vancouver |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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