Liquor Industry Update: June 25, 2026

Responsible Service During the World Cup, LCRB Liquor Session, LDB Session Recap, and More ----------------------------------------------- Liquor Industry Update: June 25, 2026 Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies, Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: Licensee to Licensee Sales FAQ - Updated Reminder: Responsible Service During FIFA World Cup Last Chance to Register: ABLE BC x LCRB Liquor Session ABLE BC x LDB Liquor Wholesale Session Recap go2HR 2026 AGM Highlights Bartier Bros: Pristine Wines Now at $9.99 Wholesale FIFA World Cup Resources for Welcoming the World Wine Growers BC: This is Our BC! Nominations for 2026 Rise Awards Now Open What you'll find in every newsletter: Member Spotlight: Maple Ridge Liquor Store Cannabis Corner: LCRB World Cup Public Education Materials  go2HR on Tap: Psychological Health & Safety Checklist Out and About with ABLE BC Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars PAST NEWSLETTERS NEWSLETTER SIGN UP Licensee to Licensee Sales FAQ (Updated) Licensee-to-Licensee Sales diagram from BC Government Beginning May 29, 2026, eligible bars, pubs, restaurants, lounges, and catering licensees are permitted to purchase products directly from authorized private liquor retailers across BC as part of the province’s new trial running through June 1, 2029. Recently, ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen joined on The Mike Smyth Show on 730 CKNW discussing World Cup-related alcohol sales and the benefits of licensee-to-licensee sales in BC. Policy Bulletin The LCRB has released Bulletin 26-03 outlining the details of the new three-year pilot program allowing eligible hospitality licensees to purchase alcohol directly from authorized private liquor retailers across BC. Frequently Asked Questions Is PST exempt from sales?  The Ministry of Finance allows Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to be exempt from sales when liquor is purchased only for resale. A seller may choose to offer PST-exempt sales of liquor to liquor-licenced buyers, but this is not required. Please read the full details here. Is the pilot constrained to LRS selling to LP or FP only? Under the pilot program, an LRS can sell liquor to the following BC license classes and endorsements:  a liquor primary licence a liquor primary club licence a food primary licence a catering licence a manufacturer licence endorsed with a lounge endorsement Wine stores, special wine stores, and rural licensee retail stores can also sell to these license types. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions manuals for full details. Is there a maximum limit as to how much one business can do with any one licensee? There are no annual limits on purchases or sales between eligible licence classes during the trial period. Is there any restriction on sales from an LRS to a LP license if the owner of the LRS also has shared or part ownership of the LP license?  There is no restriction for this scenario. We encourage members to review page 18 of the Liquor Primary Terms and Conditions, which covers this topic and the record keeping requirements related to it. For Media Inquiries - read our full media statement here. Reminder: Responsible Service During A Busy Season With the games excitement drawing crowds to hospitality venues across the province, ABLE BC is encouraging licensees—particularly those operating in high-traffic areas—to remain proactive in responsible service, staff training, and compliance with liquor regulations. As attendance increases and game-day energy builds, it is important to ensure your team understands the conditions of your liquor licence, authorized service areas, occupancy limits, and responsible service obligations. Our regulatory partners are working diligently throughout the tournament to support public safety and ensure compliance, making this a timely opportunity for licensees to review policies and procedures with staff. Key Compliance Reminders Liquor To Go Must Be Sold With Food Licensees offering Liquor To Go are reminded that alcohol must be sold in conjunction with a meal or food order, in accordance with current regulations. For more information, review the Liquor To Go FAQ. Monitor Maximum Occupancy Loads Venues should be mindful of their approved maximum indoor occupancy at all times, particularly during high-demand matches. Exceeding approved capacity limits can create safety concerns and may result in enforcement action. Ensure staff understand occupancy requirements and have procedures in place to monitor guest counts during peak periods.  Your occupancy load number will be stamped on your floor plan. Check Identification Consistently Checking identification remains one of the most important steps licensees can take to prevent contraventions and protect their business. Licensees are encouraged to ensure staff understand: When and how to properly check ID Acceptable forms of identification House policies for age verification Procedures for refusing service when necessary Documentation and due diligence practices Some licensees choose to check ID for every customer, while others require identification from anyone who appears under a certain age threshold, such as 30 years old. Whatever your policy may be, consistency and staff training are critical. Assess Intoxication and Support Responsible Service Licensees are responsible for ensuring alcohol is not served to intoxicated patrons. Staff should be trained to recognize signs of intoxication, intervene appropriately, and follow established procedures for refusing service when necessary. Regular refresher training can help staff confidently manage challenging situations while supporting a safe environment for patrons and the broader community. Review Your Authorized Service Areas Licensees are encouraged to review the terms and conditions of their liquor licence, as well as any applicable municipal requirements, to ensure alcohol service and consumption remain within authorized areas. Before expanding operations, adjusting layouts, or using adjacent spaces, confirm that activities are permitted under your: Liquor licence and associated terms and conditions Temporary approvals or endorsements, where applicable Municipal business licence requirements Helpful Resources The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) provides several resources to support compliance, including responsible service guidance, identification resources, and signage materials. ABLE BC members can also access complimentary compliance resources through the Member Portal, including sample due diligence policies, signage templates, and educational materials related to responsible service practices. If you have questions about compliance requirements, policies, procedures, or regulatory obligations, we encourage you to connect with the ABLE BC team for support. Last Chance to Register: ABLE BC x LCRB Liquor Session We are pleased to host an upcoming liquor industry session in partnership with LCRB, offering members a valuable opportunity to gain insights into liquor policy and inducements in British Columbia. Date: Friday, June 26, 2026 Time: 1:30-2:30 pm PST Where: Online Who: LCRB and ABLE BC Liquor Members RSVP: Email comms@ablebc.ca for invite link Topics will include: 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 What is the process for an inducement? What licensees can expect when being investigated Options available to licensees How inducements are reported, investigated, and refuted We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP NOW ABLE BC x LDB Liquor Wholesale Session Recap Thank you to everyone who joined our recent industry update session with LDB Wholesale. The session provided members with valuable insights into wholesale liquor sales performance and market activity across British Columbia. Topics covered included: Wholesale sales performance by major product category Liquor Retail Store (LRS) wholesale sales trends Sales performance by LDB Wholesale customer type Top-selling SKUs by category Category growth and performance comparisons Additional market insights and observations from the LDB Wholesale team The session offered attendees an opportunity to better understand current purchasing trends, category performance, and factors influencing the provincial liquor marketplace. A copy of the presentation deck is available to ABLE BC members upon request. To receive a copy, please email membership@ablebc.ca. go2HR 2026 AGM Highlights ABLE BC recently attended the go2HR 2026 Annual General Meeting, where the organization shared updates on its year in review, labour market insights, and priorities for the year ahead. A key theme throughout the AGM was the changing workforce landscape facing BC's tourism and hospitality industries. As the sector moves beyond post-pandemic recovery, go2HR highlighted the need for a new "people-powered" approach to workforce development that responds to evolving labour market realities. Year in Review During the 2025/26 year, go2HR completed a two-pronged pivot designed to sustain programming and support employers across the province. Highlights included: The launch of go2HR For Hire, providing HR advisory services to employers. Continued investment in the free go2HR online resource hub, which now contains more than 2,000 resources. Ongoing integration of psychological health and safety initiatives into WorkSafeBC plans and budgets. Continued promotion of mental health resources through partnerships and collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Labour Market Update go2HR shared updated employment data across BC's tourism and hospitality sectors: Accommodation Employment increased by 26.6% to 36,104 workers. Growth was driven by strong cruise demand, meetings and events activity, and changes related to short-term rental regulations. Food and Beverage Employment declined by 2.1% to 146,376 workers. The sector diverged from the national growth trend and continues to feel the effects of immigration restrictions and workforce challenges. Recreation and Entertainment Employment declined by 6.5% to 96,854 workers. Economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviours continue to impact the sector. Transportation and Travel Employment declined by 8.2% to 51,562 workers. This trend contrasts with strong activity at Vancouver International Airport and continued growth in the cruise sector. Workforce Headwinds Looking ahead, go2HR identified several challenges that may continue to impact tourism and hospitality employers, including: Reduced immigration levels and fewer international workers and students entering the workforce. Ongoing uncertainty around workforce development funding and support programs. The continued erosion of tourism and hospitality education and training pathways. The growing impact of artificial intelligence on future workforce needs. Outmigration of workers to lower-cost jurisdictions. Employers operating at or near capacity while managing ongoing labour shortages. Learn More A copy of the go2HR 2026 AGM presentation deck is available to ABLE BC members. To request a copy, please contact Nicole at membership@ablebc.ca. RESOURCES 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. LEARN MORE 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.   SIGN UP 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. LOG IN SUPPORT OUR ADVOCACY WORK, JOIN ABLE BC TODAY! Bartier Bros: Pristine Wines Now at $9.99 Wholesale Summer is here, and customers are looking for easy-to-enjoy wines that overdeliver for the price. That’s why Bartier Bros.’ Pristine wines are now just $9.99 wholesale (previously $13.42), creating strong opportunities for retailers and licensees across BC. Fresh, fruit-forward, and highly approachable, Pristine wines are built for summer sales.   For retailers, the lineup is ideal for stack displays, refrigerated placements, and value-driven features that encourage impulse purchases. For licensees, Pristine wines shine in patio by-the-glass programs, house pours, and happy hour features thanks to its crowd-pleasing style and strong margins. With patio season underway, now is the perfect time to feature wines that move volume while still delivering quality and consistency at a great price point. To receive updates and opportunities directly from the winery, sign up for our Licensee and Retail newsletter — Sign-Up Here. Interested in featuring Pristine? Contact Jodi Bartier at wine@bartierbros.com. FIFA World Cup Resources for Welcoming the World The FIFA World Cup 26™ officially got underway yesterday and will run through to July 19, bringing one of the world’s largest sporting events to Canada. As a host city, Vancouver is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from around the globe, creating an exciting opportunity to showcase the exceptional hospitality, experiences, and destinations that British Columbia has to offer. To help tourism operators, frontline staff, and visitor services teams prepare, Destination BC has developed a suite of FIFA World Cup 26™ resources. These tools provide key event information, operational insights, and direct links to official partner sources, helping businesses and staff support visitors and ensure a seamless guest experience throughout the tournament. Resources FWC 26 Industry Resources BC Tourism FC Playbook Wine Growers BC: This is Our BC! As the global spotlight shines on British Columbia, Wines of BC is encouraging residents, visitors and tourism businesses to showcase the people, places and experiences that make the province unique through its "This is Our BC" campaign. Tourism operators are invited to share photos or videos from their favourite local destinations - from mountain viewpoints and beaches to wineries, restaurants and attractions, featuring a glass of BC wine. Visit the Wines of BC website to learn how to participate in the social media challenge and access the CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT HERE.  Nominations for 2026 Rise Awards Now Open It's official. Nominations for the 2026 Rise Awards by BC Food & Beverage are now open! We're celebrating the best in British Columbia's food & beverage processing industry. The people, companies, and products leading the way in innovation, branding, sustainability, leadership, and beyond. Know someone who's making an impact in the industry? Put them forward (or nominate yourself!) and give them the recognition they deserve. HOW TO NOMINATE: Submit your nominations for any of our 10 award categories here: bcfb.ca/rise-awards Deadline: July 10, 2026 Finalists in each category will be announced in August. Thank you for helping shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening in the 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. Member Spotlight: Maple Ridge Liquor Store Located at 20690 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge Liquor Store is a community favourite known for its friendly service, knowledgeable staff, and wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits—all priced at government liquor store rates. The store offers a welcoming shopping experience, with staff always ready to provide recommendations and share their current favourites. Customers can also enjoy weekly tastings featuring new beers, wines, coolers, and spirits, making it easy to discover something new. Beyond its beverage selection, Maple Ridge Liquor Store is known for the little touches that keep customers coming back, including complimentary cookies with purchase on weekends, dog treats for four-legged visitors, and fresh-cut flower arrangements delivered every Friday. Part of the Neighbourhood Liquor family, customers can also shop online through six locations across British Columbia, enjoying convenient access to a wide range of products and home delivery options. LEARN MORE 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. JOIN ABLE BC CANNABIS TODAY SIGN-UP FOR CANNABIS UPDATES go2HR on Tap: Psychological Health & Safety Checklist for Your Team Vancouver is welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe this season, and your team is at the heart of that experience. When employees feel respected, included, and supported, they show up with confidence, enthusiasm, and empathy. That energy shapes every guest interaction.   The foundations of a psychologically healthy workplace include: Respectful and open communication Inclusion and a sense of belonging An environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas Collaboration and teamwork Recognition and appreciation Empathetic and supportive leadership Head to our Psychological Health & Safety (PHS) Inspection Checklist for a quick, practical check-in on how your workplace is doing. Out & About with ABLE BC Top: ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen visiting Merritt's Grand Pub & Grill Below Left: ABLE BC @ Vancouver's Tequila & Agave Festival Below Right: Bo grabbing a pint & experiencing London's pub culture @ Ladywell Tavern during his time off Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: BC Hospitality Foundation - A Night to Remember in Vancouver: July 22 Wine Capital Weekend in Oliver: September 18-20 BC Beer Conference in Vancouver: October 15-16 2026 Northern BC Tourism Summit in Prince George: October 20-22 2027 BCHA Summit in Vancouver: May 10-11 EVENTS Copyright © 2026 BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) 970 - 1050 West Pender Street, Vancouver, V6E 3S7 Canada unsubscribe or update your email preferences here