Early Membership Renewal, Meet our Community Ambassador, Temporary Patios Extended, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
July 9, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: Early Reminder: ABLE BC Membership Renewal - Meet ABLE BC's Community Ambassador
- Temporary Patios Extended Through Summer
Vancouver Extends Granville Street Pedestrian Zone ABLE BC x BCRFA: New Member Benefit for LRS - Accessing LDB Wholesale Price Reports
- ABLE BC x LCRB Liquor Session Recap
BC Aims to Grow Economy: Reduce Red Tape & Improve Services BC Launches Chronic Property Crime and Street Disorder
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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Meet ABLE BC's Community Ambassador |
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This summer, we were excited to welcome a new member to the ABLE BC team. Nicole McLaughlin joined ABLE BC as our Community Ambassador, a role focused on strengthening relationships with members and ensuring operators across the province feel supported and heard. Through member outreach and industry engagement, Nicole will help us stay closely connected to the priorities and challenges facing businesses on the ground.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Nicole recently relocated to Vancouver from London and brings a background in client relationship management and community engagement. Passionate about connecting people and building relationships, she is excited to support ABLE BC members and strengthen connections across BC's liquor and hospitality sector. We look forward to introducing many of you to Nicole in the months ahead and continuing to build a stronger, more connected industry together.
If you have questions about your membership or upcoming renewals, Nicole would be pleased to assist. Members can reach her directly at membership@ablebc.ca. |
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Temporary Patios Extended Through Summer |
This week, the Province announced that restaurants, pubs, and other hospitality businesses with FIFA World Cup 2026 temporary outdoor patios can apply to keep those patios open through September 6, extending the economic benefits of the tournament well beyond the final match.
The decision follows strong collaboration between industry associations, local governments and the Province to support businesses during the busy summer tourism season. Eligible businesses will be able to continue welcoming customers outdoors, helping sustain revenue, employment and vibrant commercial districts across B.C. Who is eligible?
This opportunity is available only to licensees who were approved for an outdoor FIFA-related TELA during the original approval period of June 11 to July 19, 2026. It does not apply to regular TELA applications or temporary extensions approved for purposes unrelated to FIFA.
Eligible licensees will receive an email directly from the LCRB with details on how to apply. What you need to know If you'd like to continue operating your approved outdoor TELA beyond July 19, you'll need to: - Submit a new application through the LCRB's online portal before your current TELA expires.
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Ensure both your application and payment are received before your existing approval ends on July 19, 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.
- Continue to meet all existing approval requirements for your licence class.
Additional details include: - Existing approved floor plans and capacity limits will carry forward.
- No occupant load is required for the extension application.
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Applicants must demonstrate they have permission to use the outdoor space and comply with all applicable local government or Indigenous Nation requirements.
- The extension will count as one temporary change toward the annual limit of six temporary changes. No additional discretion request is required.
Where local government or Indigenous Nation review is required, the LCRB will coordinate the approval process.
If you have questions about your eligibility or the application process, contact the LCRB Client Support Team at LCRBLiquor@gov.bc.ca or 1-866-209-2111. |
Vancouver Extends Granville Street Pedestrian Zone |
Vancouver City Council has approved a seven-week extension of the Granville Street pedestrian zone pilot, keeping five blocks of Granville Street car-free through the Labour Day long weekend.
The extension is intended to build on the increased activity and business generated during the FIFA World Cup. As part of the decision, Council also directed staff to support the continuation of temporary FIFA-related patios and other permitted uses where possible, subject to approvals, and approved funding for enhanced sanitation, security, traffic management, and downtown business activation. Council also requested staff explore options for a three-year seasonal pedestrian zone pilot and investigate the feasibility of a temporary Granville Street pedestrian zone for a Christmas market later this year.
Help shape the future of Granville Street
The City of Vancouver, together with Downtown VAN, is gathering feedback to help inform the future of Granville Street. Input will be collected through public and business surveys, transportation and transit data, and engagement with community partners. Businesses and community members are invited to share their feedback through the public survey, open from June 11 to July 19, 2026. |
Photo Credit: Downtown VAN |
ABLE BC x BCRFA: New Member Benefit for LRS |
Exclusive Opportunity to Connect with BC’s Food & Beverage Operators
As BC enters a new chapter of increased flexibility for hospitality operators through licensee-to-licensee purchasing, ABLE BC and the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA) are creating opportunities to help connect the hospitality community with private liquor retailers across the province.
ABLE BC Private Liquor Store Members have the opportunity to be featured in a dedicated BCRFA Private Liquor Directory, a resource designed specifically to help BC’s restaurants, bars, pubs, and foodservice operators discover private retail partners and access broader product opportunities.
No additional membership with BCRFA required. Rather, this is an exclusive visibility opportunity to get your business in front of BCRFA’s network of food and beverage operators across BC at a time when operators are actively exploring more flexibility, specialty products, and new purchasing relationships.
The exclusive offer for ABLE BC Members to be included in the directory is $250, and it offers 5 months of promotion through BCRFA's channels to over 5000 operators across BC.
Through inclusion in the directory, participating private retailers will gain increased exposure among hospitality businesses seeking: -
Greater access to specialty and hard-to-find products
- Additional purchasing flexibility
- New opportunities to support beverage program innovation
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Stronger connections with BC’s restaurant and bar community
As the industry continues to evolve, BCRFA and ABLE BC is committed to helping operators navigate new opportunities while also supporting the broader ecosystem of businesses that serve hospitality.
If you’re interested in being included, please contact ABLE BC Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca. |
Licensee-to-Licensee Sales diagram from BC Government |
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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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Accessing LDB Wholesale Price Reports |
ABLE BC is committed to helping members access the information and resources they need to plan ahead and make informed decisions for their businesses.
Licensees can access the BC LDB Wholesale website for a range of Wholesale Price and Clearance Sale Reports, with pricing information updated weekly. These resources include:
Overstocked NSWP Inventory Clearance Sale - Order Form
- Clearance Product List
Next Financial Period (Future Pricing) - Prices
- Promotional Prices
- Price Changes
Current Financial Period - Prices
- Promotional Prices
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Price Changes
New Products
For instructions on how to access these reports: please reach out to ABLE BC Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC x LCRB Liquor Session Recap |
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent liquor industry session in partnership with LCRB. We hope the session provided you with valuable insights into liquor retail policy and inducements in BC. Topics covered included: - What is an inducement?
- Clear examples of practices that are often misunderstood as inducements
- Clear examples of what is not allowed
- What inspectors look for
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What is the process for an inducement?
- What licensees can expect when being investigated
- Options available to licensees
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How inducements are reported, investigated, and refuted
A copy of the presentation deck is available to ABLE BC members upon request. To receive a copy, please email membership@ablebc.ca. |
Province Aims to Grow Economy: Reducing Red Tape & Improving Services |
Government is also working to reduce red tape, modernize regulations, and make it easier for people and businesses to access services and move projects forward. The latest Better Regulations for British Columbians Annual Report highlights ongoing efforts to simplify processes, speed up approvals, reduce costs, support job creation, and create more economic opportunities across B.C.
Read the 2026 Better Regulations for BC Annual Report HERE. Please refer to page 11 for changes related to the liquor industry. |
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. |
BC Launches Provincewide Initiative to Address Chronic Property Crime and Street Disorder |
The Province of British Columbia is investing $16 million over the next two years to launch the Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative , a new program aimed at reducing repeat property crime, retail theft, vandalism, and street disorder across the province.
The initiative will establish 12 regional intervention hubs made up of police, prosecutors, probation officers, correctional staff, and community support partners. The teams will focus on identifying and supporting approximately 420 chronic offenders whose repeated offences contribute to a disproportionate amount of property crime and community disruption.
The program builds on pilot projects launched in Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Nelson in November 2025. The Province says the Kelowna pilot has helped stabilize property crime trends, including a decline in break-and-enter offences, through a more coordinated approach to enforcement, monitoring, and support services. The new initiative combines accountability measures with connections to supports such as housing, mental health, and substance-use services. By improving coordination between justice and community partners, the Province aims to strengthen responses to repeat offending and improve safety for businesses and residents throughout BC. For hospitality and retail operators impacted by theft, vandalism, and street disorder, the program represents a new provincial approach focused on targeting repeat offenders while addressing underlying factors contributing to ongoing crime.
For more information: |
Member Spotlight: White Rock Liquor Store |
Located in the heart of White Rock, White Rock Liquor Store is a locally owned and operated liquor retailer dedicated to providing customers with exceptional service, a great selection, and a welcoming shopping experience.
Recently renovated, the store is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it convenient for customers to find their favourite products whenever they need them. The store offers a wide variety of wines and features a selection of more than 100 bombers, ensuring there is something for every occasion.
As part of the TAG Liquor Stores family, White Rock Liquor Store is backed by decades of experience in BC’s hospitality and retail landscape. A longtime ABLE BC member, TAG Liquor Stores has been locally owned and operated since 1991, growing from a single location into a trusted group of neighbourhood liquor stores across the Lower Mainland.
Over the years, TAG has continued to adapt alongside the evolving liquor retail industry, with a focus on convenient locations, strong product selection, and outstanding customer service. The team remains committed to creating positive experiences for customers and serving the communities where their stores operate. In addition to White Rock, TAG Liquor Stores operates locations throughout BC, including Coquitlam, New Westminster, Langley, Chilliwack, and surrounding communities.
For local customers, White Rock Liquor Store also offers a 10% seniors discount on regular-priced items every Monday through Thursday (some restrictions apply).
Thank you to White Rock Liquor Store and the TAG team for your continued support of ABLE BC and your commitment to serving BC communities! |
Cannabis Corner: LCRB World Cup Public Education Materials |
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has released a new set of optional public education materials designed to support awareness of cannabis rules in British Columbia ahead of the busy summer travel season, including increased international visitation and major events such as the World Cup.
These materials include a fact sheet, posters, and digital assets that provide clear, plain-language information on key topics such as cannabis possession limits and public consumption laws in B.C.
ABLE BC encourages members to review and use these optional resources at their discretion, including sharing them on their own platforms or with industry partners where appropriate. |
go2HR on Tap: Help Protect Pub and Bar Teams from Summer Heat Stress |
Summer means busy patios, longer operating hours, and higher temperatures, creating added pressure for pub and bar teams. From kitchen staff working over hot equipment to servers covering outdoor patios, heat stress can develop quickly during peak service if the right precautions are not in place. Simple steps like encouraging regular hydration, scheduling breaks when possible, and recognizing the early signs of heat stress can help protect your team while keeping operations running smoothly. Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps, and encourage workers to report them early before they become more serious. go2HR offers free tools to help pub and bar operators manage heat-related risks, including safety talks, posters, and exposure control planning resources. Explore go2HR Heat Stress Resources
Looking for a quick way to get your crew up to speed? Our 40-second Safety Talk video, Cool Tips for Food and Beverage Workers, shares practical heat stress prevention tips that are easy to review before a shift or during a team briefing. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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