Existing Inventory of U.S.-made Liquor products, Global Payments Time Offer, and more! |
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Liquor Industry Update: June 12, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues, Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: Ask an Expert: SUPER HR - "Disappearing Staff? Your Legal and Ethical Obligation Comes First" Cannabis Corner: Cannabis Sales at Events in BC - Out and About with ABLE BC
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Reminder: Existing Inventory of U.S.-made Liquor products Available for Wholesale Customers As covered in ABLE BC's April 2025 newsletters , we are informing industry stakeholders that existing inventory of U.S. liquor products are still available for ordering. Please see the following reminder from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB): As you are already aware, while the B.C. Government’s March 10, 2025 directive halted the importation of U.S.-made liquor products, existing inventory of U.S. liquor products continues to be available for purchase through the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) wholesale channels. U.S.-made wines, spirits, beer, and refreshment beverages remain available and may continue to be ordered and sold by private retailers and hospitality establishments through the private channel, until the existing inventory in the province sells through. As a reminder, even though BCLIQUOR (BCL) has halted the retail sale of U.S.-made liquor products and removed these products from store shelves, hospitality customers serviced by BCL may continue to order U.S.-made liquor products by the case from existing inventory in the province via their servicing BCL. Product information, including lists of both Canadian-made liquor products and U.S.-made liquor products, is available at: https://wholesale.bcldb.com/resources/product-information . For the latest news and updates on our response to the U.S. tariffs, visit the LDB Wholesale Operations website here: wholesale.bcldb.com/news . |
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BC Ministry of Labour seeks ABLE BC's Industry Feedback on Bill 11 |
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The Ministry of Labour is seeking input from ABLE BC Membership, partners, and industry stakeholders to inform the development of regulations pertaining to the Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 11) introduced by the BC Government in April 2025. If passed and brought into force, Bill 11 will restrict employers from requiring employees to provide a sick note from a physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse for a short-term absence from work. While Bill 11 provides the basis for restricting employers’ ability to request sick notes, some details of the restriction will be set out in regulations to be developed before Fall 2025. The rationale in restricting this practice is to alleviate some strain on the healthcare system by reducing the administrative burden on certain healthcare professionals, thereby providing them with more time to care for patients who need medical care. Click here to read ABLE BC's previous update on this topic; Click here to read the news release announcing this change; Click here to read Bill 11 If you wish to provide your input, please email Bo ( bo@ablebc.ca ) to receive access to the survey. The survey closes on June 16, 2025. |
Limited-Time Offer: Summer Savings with ABLE BC and Global Payments! Are you paying more than you should for payment processing? ABLE BC is pleased to partner with Global Payments to help you save money with the latest payments technology and software solutions your business needs to run smoothly, efficiently and affordably. With our size and scale, ABLE BC is able to procure discounts that can provide members with savings on their merchant services. Compare the rates and prepare to enjoy lower credit card processing costs! In addition to preferred rates, Global Payments is currently offering free terminal rentals* to ABLE BC members! Rent up to two (2) POS terminals at no additional cost for the first three (3) months. Connect with us today to see how beneficial a change can be! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION https://go.globalpayments.com/en-ca/ablebc With Global Payments, ABLE BC members also benefit from: Streamlined payments: Acceptance for all major debit and credit payment types, including digital wallets. Robust suite of payment solutions: Includes the latest smart and virtual terminals to offer you a choice of next-generation countertop, wireless, and online payment acceptance. Fast access to funds: Deposited to your bank account as early as the next business day Comprehensive industry-leading support: When you need it—24/7/365. *This offer is valid from May 15, 2025, through August 31, 2025, and is applicable to new Global Payments clients in Canada only who have not conducted any business with Global Payments in the past 12 months. Merchant must be approved for debit and credit processing by, and enter into a processing agreement with Global Payments Direct, Inc. Global Payments reserves the right to determine qualified merchants and is under no obligation to approve a merchant. Clients must pay any applicable taxes on the free terminal rental. The three (3) month free terminal rental will begin from the first statement. Some restrictions, conditions and other fees/taxes may apply. The offer is subject to change, withdrawal or cancellation at any time and is not valid with any other offer. Void where prohibited. Payment processing and pricing approvals provided by Global Payments Direct, Inc. Terminals and terminal services provided by Global Payments Canada GP. |
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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. |
| 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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Make Inclusion Part of Your Bar Culture: Join the BELONG Initiative – FREE for BC Pubs & Bars Make Inclusion Part of Your Bar Culture: Join the BELONG Initiative – FREE for BC Pubs & Bars
Running a bar or pub in BC? Finding great staff is tough—but it doesn’t have to be.
go2HR and Tourism HR Canada invite you to join BELONG—a national initiative helping bar and pub owners like you build accessible, inclusive workplaces that welcome people with disabilities.
BELONG turns good intentions into real-world impact. It connects you with new talent, eases staffing challenges, and equips your team to hire inclusively with confidence.
Here’s what BELONG brings to your bar or pub:
Practical training for inclusive hiring behind the bar
Personalized support for recruiting and job matching
Accessibility consulting tailored to your venue
Expert advice on workplace adjustments
Ongoing mentorship for lasting inclusive practices
Access the FREE Tourism Workplace Accessibility Clinic
Get direct, expert help to make your hiring more inclusive and your workplace more welcoming.
Because an inclusive bar starts with inclusive hiring.
Join the BELONG Initiative today and raise the bar for inclusive hiring in BC’s bar and pub scene.
https://tourismhr.ca/programs-and-services/belong |
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Partner with ABLE BC: New Associate Membership Tiers ABLE BC's Manager of Membership and Events, Jesse Sidhu , has re-vamped our associate membership offerings. The new tiers bring more value to suppliers and service providers of BC's liquor and cannabis industries, and amp up the benefits and perks available to ABLE BC liquor and cannabis licensee members. ABLE BC Associates can now choose from one of three membership tiers that best fit their business needs and goals. To review your options and to see which membership would be best for you, please email Jesse Sidhu at jesse@ablebc.ca
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Ask an Expert: SUPER HR "Disappearing Staff? Your Legal and Ethical Obligation Comes First" Did you know that when an employee or contractor doesn’t show up for work and doesn’t notify their manager, the employer’s first responsibility isn’t disciplinary action? It’s duty of care. Unexpected absences can often signal emergencies, health issues, or personal challenges. Before labelling an absence as “culpable” or jumping to disciplinary steps, here’s what employers should do: - Try to contact the employee directly (call, text, email).
- Check in with their emergency contacts if there’s no response.
- Send a kind, non-judgmental email to ask how they’re doing.
- Only after understanding the situation should you document it or take next steps under your absenteeism policy.
Care and Accountability Go Hand in Hand A people-first approach doesn’t mean letting employees off the hook. It means finding a balance. While showing empathy for those facing real challenges, employers still need to protect their teams and business. By documenting your efforts to reach out—like calls, wellness checks, or policy reminders—you create a fair process. This way, if someone does take advantage of the system, you’ll have a clear record to support fair consequences. Prepare for Seasonal Trends Absenteeism often spikes during summer, whether due to family vacations, childcare gaps, or even “sunny day syndrome.” Being proactive helps: - Remind managers to watch for patterns (e.g., frequent Fridays off) and address them early.
- Re-communicate expectations for advance notice, while acknowledging summer’s unique demands.
- Update emergency contacts to avoid delays in outreach during busy periods.
Need Policies That Work for Everyone? Take a closer look at your absenteeism process to make sure it’s both supportive and practical: - Clarify the steps for reaching out, documenting absences, and escalating issues.
- Train managers to act fairly and avoid jumping to conclusions.
- Prepare for seasonal trends like summer spikes by reviewing policies upfront.
- Explain when and how disciplinary actions should happen based on facts.
SuperHR can help you create a framework that supports your team and reduces risks. After all, trust grows when systems are clear, consistent, and fair. Protect your people and your business with a process that cares—but doesn’t compromise. Contact Pierre for a complimentary consultation on behalf of ABLE BC - pierre@superhrcanada.com |
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Cannabis Corner Cannabis Sales at Events in BC Earlier last week, ABLE BC Cannabis Chair Committee Feven Berhane and ABLE BC's Bo Chen met with the LCRB to navigate the potential policy frameworks that shapes this direction to propel BC's cannabis industry towards the future. Together, ABLE BC shared perspectives on the key harmonious dynamics between private retailers and producers in BC as well as elements that ensure a successful roll-out of this type of program for stores, producers, professional event organizers, and municipalities. " While engagements with our government partners on this particular topic are in the early stages, we commend the LCRB on their considerate and forward thinking efforts to continue to help the vibrancy of BC's private cannabis landscape. ABLE BC's Cannabis Committee & Leadership Team strongly believe that it is essential our industry establishes itself into the mainstream like many other sectors and this is certainly one of many foundational paths to do so." - Bo Chen, ABLE BC |
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OUT AND ABOUT WITH ABLE BC!!! |
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Left: ABLE BC Board, Committee Leaders, and Industry Partners outside BC's Legislative Assembly in Victoria Top Right: Danielle Leroux (She Summits Co-Founder) & ABLE BC's Bo Chen Bottom Right: ABLE BC inside BC's Legislative Assembly in Victoria |
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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