BCGEU Update, Advocacy Win in Vancouver, BC Cabinet Changes and More! ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
July 24, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - ABLE BC Membership Renewal Season is Here!
- Changes to BC Cabinet
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BCGEU Update: Job Action Vote Following Impasse
- Did You Know: Shipping Direct to Licensees
- Advocacy Win! Vancouver Extends Liquor Serving Hours
- ABLE BC Townhalls Recap: BC's Liquor to Go Policy
- BC Signs Trade Agreements with Ontario, Manitoba, Yukon
- BCLC Update: New Lottery Features and Enhancements Live
- go2HR June Labour Market Update
- Exclusive 10% off Media Production with Boro Media
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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ABLE BC Membership Renewal Season is Here!
ABLE BC memberships expire on August 31, 2025. Members can renew by logging into the Member Portal and following the renewal instructions posted on the dashboard.
If you have questions about your renewal, don't know how to log into the Member Portal, or would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Jesse Sidhu, Manager of Membership & Events, at jesse@ablebc.ca or 604-961-3620.
ABLE BC advocates for business-friendly policies and cost-saving measures on your behalf that help the private liquor industry thrive. ABLE BC is your seat at the table, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed by government. We present a united voice that speaks for the entire private liquor industry in BC. We are only able to do this work because of the support of our members. Put simply, ABLE BC does not exist without your membership dues. Your support is critical to our industry’s success.
We are dedicated to safeguarding your investments by pushing for policies that reduce risk and relieve financial pressure, ensuring your business thrives. Let's secure a prosperous future together.
Prompt payment of your membership dues will enable us to continue our track record of successful advocacy for BC’s private liquor industry through the year ahead. |
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Last week, Premier David Eby announced a shift to his cabinet in an effort to “centre jobs, the economy, and the needs of British Columbians in their communities.”
The cabinet is tasked with working on the province’s biggest challenges: growing the economy, seizing investment opportunities, and strengthening public services.
As part of this cabinet shuffle, there are two new Ministers responsible for liquor: Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, and Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
What This Means For Our Industry
Both the BC LDB and LCRB will report to each Ministry (Agriculture and Public Safety). More specifically, policy and licensing matters are now under the jurisdiction of Minister Popham. Enforcement and compliance matters are now under the jurisdiction of Minister Krieger. Industry policy engagements that are currently underway will continue as planned and will not be disrupted.
“The preparation and planning by our government partners for this transition is encouraging,” says ABLE BC’s Bo Chen. “ABLE BC looks forward to meeting with Minister Popham and other industry advocacy leaders later this week.” |
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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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BCGEU Update: Workers to Take Job Action Vote Following Impasse |
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In case you missed it, last Friday, ABLE BC informed our membership and industry on the BCGEU’s decision to prepare to take a strike vote in the coming weeks following a breakdown in negotiations for their next collective agreement. The strike vote is estimated to begin mid-August. The BCGEU has not yet indicated whether they intend to disrupt operations at LDB Wholesale or BC Liquor Stores. However, if the BCGEU were to take job action, the LDB would be notified 72 hours in advance. ABLE BC understands industry’s concerns on the uncertainty and is continuously monitoring the situation and engaging with government and industry stakeholders. We will keep industry apprised as details progress and continue to progress our efforts to get the clarity you need to plan for your business.
For more information, please read last week’s update. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca).
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Did You Know: List of Producers Able to Ship Direct to Licensees |
We want to ensure licensees are aware of the list of private distributors on the LDB Wholesale website (scroll down to ‘Private Distributors’ to download the full list). This list includes BC wineries, craft distilleries, breweries, and third-party warehouses that are able to ship products directly to licensees (LRS and hospitality). To order products sold directly by private breweries and distributors please contact the distributor directly and set up an account. |
Advocacy Win! Vancouver Extends Liquor Serving Hours |
We’re pleased to share a significant advocacy win for Vancouver’s hospitality sector.
On Tuesday morning, Vancouver City Council voted to extend allowable liquor service hours across the city. Effective immediately: - Liquor Primaries in downtown Vancouver can apply to serve liquor until 4 AM.
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Liquor Primaries outside of downtown Vancouver can apply to serve until 3 AM on weekends and 2 AM on weekdays.
- Restaurants citywide can apply to serve liquor until 2 AM.
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Read the full Council meeting report here.
ABLE BC has been working towards this outcome alongside other industry leaders since 2023, continuously collaborating with City of Vancouver staff to modernize outdated policies and support the viability of BC’s hospitality businesses.
“The work that City of Vancouver staff has been putting into this is commendable, and the hospitality sector welcomes Council’s decision to modernize policies on this. It has been encouraging to witness firsthand the shared efforts of ABLE BC and our key industry partners leading up to help shape this progress.” –Bo Chen, ABLE BC Mayor Ken Sim echoed this sentiment, stating:
“Extending hours is a common-sense move that will give restaurants and nightlife establishments greater flexibility during challenging economic times. Additionally, we have called on Translink to extend SkyTrain services to align with Vancouver's updated service hours. As we work to cut red tape, we are always looking for more ways to make Vancouver a more fun and vibrant city to call home.” This decision is an important step in creating a thriving, safe, and modern nightlife economy in Vancouver – something ABLE BC remains committed to advancing for the benefit of our members and the communities they serve.
If you have questions, contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca
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ABLE BC Townhalls Recap: BC's Liquor to Go Policy |
Thank you to all members who participated in our recent ABLE BC Townhalls on BC’s Liquor To Go Policy. We appreciated the productive discussions and diverse perspectives shared by stakeholders from across the province.
Perspectives We’ve Heard So Far Throughout these sessions, members highlighted: - Concerns about the policy’s potential impact on industry.
- The need to introduce restrictions and limitations to ensure fair and responsible implementation.
- The importance of refining Liquor To Go eligibility criteria for both Liquor Primary (LP) and Food Primary (FP) licensees.
Your insights are critical as we prepare our collective industry response to the LCRB. Next Steps
To further document member perspectives, ABLE BC will be releasing a survey for LRS and LP members in the coming days. We encourage all eligible members to participate and ensure your voice is heard.
Reminder: The deadline for submissions to the LCRB is August 7, 2025.
Background
The LCRB is exploring changes to BC’s Liquor To Go Policy, which has allowed LP and FP licensees to sell liquor for off-site consumption with a meal for takeout or delivery since October 2021. This policy was first introduced during COVID-19 following advocacy from ABLE BC and our work through the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP). As part of their review, the LCRB is seeking feedback on the benefits, challenges, public health and safety risks, and potential solutions related to Liquor To Go.
ABLE BC is committed to ensuring your concerns and priorities are reflected in our submission. Stay tuned for our upcoming survey and further updates.
If you have any questions or would like to share additional feedback, please contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca. |
BC Premier Signs Trade Agreements with Ontario, Manitoba, Yukon
British Columbia shoppers will soon have more choice, following Premier David Eby’s signing of three new internal trade agreements at the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario on July 22, 2025. Premier Eby signed separate agreements with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, and Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton. All provinces and territories committed to continue removing interprovincial trade barriers.
Key Takeaways for BC Businesses: -
Agreement with Ontario: Both BC and Ontario governments will develop a framework for direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales of alcoholic beverages, giving producers easier market access and providing consumers with more choice.
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Agreement with Manitoba: BC will work to allow alcoholic beverages from Manitoba to be sold directly to BC consumers - a reciprocal move, as Manitoba already permits DTC sales for BC producers.
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Agreement with Yukon: Focuses on removing trade barriers and aligning standards for regulated occupations and registration processes.
Broader Direct-to-Consumer Sales Progress
Earlier this month, BC also signed a national Memorandum of Understanding with eight other provinces and one territory to advance work toward a national DTC liquor sales system. Once implemented – targeted for late May 2026 – Canadian liquor manufacturers will be able to sell directly to consumers across the country for personal consumption, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This initiative is part of Canada’s broader efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers and strengthen economic independence in light of global trade challenges. Next Steps ABLE BC, as part of the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP), will continue engaging with government partners and industry stakeholders to ensure BC’s liquor industry is well represented as policies and frameworks for DTC sales are finalized.
If you have any questions about these trade agreements or would like to provide input ahead of upcoming stakeholder discussions, please reach out to Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca.
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BCLC Update: New Lottery Features and Enhancements Live |
Effective today (July 24, 2025), several software enhancements have been successfully deployed across the BCLC network, further strengthening both the retailer and player experience.
These improvements are based on industry feedback and the BCLC’s commitment to continuous system optimization. Lottery Terminal Enhancements: General Terminal Report: Phase 1 enhancements included additional transaction types, and a new ‘Net Amount’ aligned to ‘Net for Lottery Terminal’ on weekly invoice. Self-Serve Terminal Enhancements: - Cash Reconciliation Report: Streamlined layout
- General Terminal Report:
- Provides a detailed breakdown of transactions on the SST
- July 24 update: Improved clarity in the VOUCHERS and NET AMOUNT sections by adding a (-) symbol to clearly indicate retailer credit amounts.
- Keno Replay: Optimizes the Keno player experience
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Barcode Printing Correction: Ticket barcodes now print with better clarity and proper spacing from the ticket edge, ensuring accurate scanning and a cleaner presentation
- PROLINE Sports Betting: Improvements to the PROLINE interface offer players a more intuitive and dynamic experience.
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go2HR June Labour Market Update |
BC’s tourism and hospitality industry experienced significant employment gains in June, rebounding from May’s decline with notable improvements across most regions and sectors. June’s labour market data shows a solid month-over-month employment increase, with industry employment now surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7,000 jobs compared to June 2019. This positive momentum aligns well with the onset of the busy summer travel season, although persistent regional disparities and shifts in full-time employment suggest ongoing complexity in workforce management.
Some areas continue to lag behind their pre-COVID benchmarks, and employers are encouraged to stay attentive to fluctuating sectoral trends, particularly given the steady decline in U.S. travel to Canada, which may continue to reshape demand dynamics throughout the season.
Key Highlights - Employment increased by 4.2%, reaching 350,750 jobs—exceeding pre-pandemic June 2019 levels by 7,000 jobs.
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Labour force participation rose by 2.3%, driven by gains in Accommodation, Food & Beverage, and Recreation & Entertainment sectors.
- The unemployment rate decreased notably from 6.5% in May to 4.7% in June, though still above the 3.4% seen in June 2019.
Regional Trends - Employment growth occurred in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island regions.
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Cariboo was the only region to experience an employment decline in June.
- Employment levels remain below pre-COVID benchmarks in Cariboo, Northern BC, and Thompson Okanagan, while Lower Mainland, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island regions exceeded pre-pandemic employment figures.
Sector Performance - Employment increased in Accommodation, Food & Beverage, and Recreation & Entertainment, but slightly decreased in Transportation & Travel.
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Recreation & Entertainment remains the only sector exceeding pre-COVID employment levels.
- The percentage of full-time employment dipped slightly, from 65% in May to 64% in June, with Transportation & Travel maintaining the highest share of full-time workers (88%) and Food & Beverage the lowest (55%).
For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR’s Employment Tracker. |
Exclusive 10% Off Media Production for ABLE BC Members with Boro Media |
At Boro and Beyond Media, we know how much work goes into running a standout bar, pub, restaurant, or liquor store. That's why we specialize in photo and video production that helps showcase your business and maximize your marketing ROI, and to connect you with your clientele, maximizing your reach.
Whether you're updating your website, creating content for social media, or refreshing your menu, we produce high-quality visuals that engage your audience and drive results. Our services include: - Video and photo content for social and web ads
- Food, drink, and product photography
- Interior and exterior shots of your venue
- Special event coverage
- Brand storytelling and internal communications
- Website content updates
Sounds like something you might need? Let's chat! As a member benefit, we're offering 10% off all services to other ABLE BC members. Contact us today for a quote:
Jeff Curtis, Owner
Boro & Beyond Media
604-377-8676 boroandbeyond@gmail.com |
Cannabis Corner: Cannabis Sales at Events in BC - Insights from Italian Day on Commercial Drive |
Earlier this June, Vancouver’s Italian Day on the Drive offered an exciting glimpse into the potential for cannabis retail at BC’s festivals.
While current regulations do not permit on-site cannabis sales at events, KushKlub, an independent cannabis retailer, partnered with Smyle Brands to engage the community in a safe and compliant way. Smyle Brands sampled uninfused versions of their cannabis beverages outside KushKlub’s store, allowing festival-goers to learn about the products before heading inside to make a purchase. This collaboration not only introduced cannabis beverages to new customers but also helped KushKlub build its mailing list and strengthen connections within the community. ABLE BC continues to advocate for policy changes that would allow cannabis sales at events in the future, ensuring the sector can participate meaningfully in BC’s cultural gatherings.
Read the full article to learn more about this activation and what’s next for cannabis retail at events. |
go2HR On Tap: Keep Cool and Stay Safe -
Hot Weather Tips for Bars and Pubs |
In a packed pub or a busy kitchen, heat stress can sneak up fast - especially when the drinks are flowing, the grill is blazing, and the patio is full. Even indoors, high temperatures mixed with fast-paced service can put your staff at risk.
That’s why go2HR has created a practical Heat Stress Resource Page designed for BC’s tourism and hospitality employers, including bars and pubs.
What you’ll find: - How to recognize who’s most at risk behind the bar, in the kitchen, or on the patio
- Key signs of heat stress to watch for during service rushes
- Simple ways to prevent heat exhaustion and keep the team cool
- Free safety talks, posters, videos, planning tools and more
What to Watch For Behind the Bar
If any of your team members show these signs, it’s time to intervene: - Looking pale or flushed
- Complaining of nausea, dizziness, or headaches
- Getting unusually quiet or confused
- Mentioning muscle cramps or soreness
- Breathing faster than normal or a racing heart
- Heavy sweating - or not sweating at all
- Insisting “I’m fine” but clearly struggling
Act fast: Cool them down, offer water, and get them to take a break.
Need Expert Help?
go2HR’s Health & Safety team offers free 1:1 consultations to: -
Review your pub’s heat stress risks
- Suggest practical controls that work for your operation
- Access a free Heat Stress Exposure Control Plan
Plus, you can book a drop-in session with your Joint Health & Safety Committee to keep awareness high.
Connect with us today - and keep your team cool, safe, and thriving this summer. |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
With all the recent changes in BC’s landscape, the ABLE BC Team has been dedicated to proactively keeping industry informed while also busy focused on current on-going engagements and preparations to set the future groundwork for industry.
In the midst of this, we had a brief moment to step away from our laptops and check out how some newer liquor establishments are doing in Vancouver. |
ABLE BC checking out a new liquor primary in Vancouver |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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