Liquor Policy Townhalls, LDB Updates, Summer Quarterly Pour, and New Partnership Opportunities! ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
June 26, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - Have Your Say on BC's Liquor to Go Policy: Upcoming Townhalls with ABLE BC
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LDB Welcomes Industry Feedback on Deliveries and Pallet Configurations
- LDB Update: Final U.S. Wine Inventory Now Available
- New from Bartier Bros.: Pristine (Sponsored Content)
- The Summer Edition of the Quarterly Pour is Here!
- Partner with ABLE BC: New Sponsorship and Membership Tiers
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Have Your Say on BC's Liquor to Go Policy: Upcoming Townhalls with ABLE BC
The LCRB is exploring changes to BC’s Liquor to Go Policy - which currently allows Liquor Primary and Food Primary licensees to sell liquor for off-site consumption with a meal for takeout or delivery. The policy first came into effect in October 2021 during COVID-19, in response to feedback from ABLE BC and our work in the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP). As part of this engagement process, the LCRB is seeking industry feedback on the benefits, challenges, and potential public health and safety risks associated with the program, as well as possible solutions.
For example, instead of authorizing Liquor to Go for all FPs and LPs, the LCRB says they’re “considering adding discretion for the General Manager, who oversees licensing. Discretion would help determine who should be eligible to sell liquor for takeout/delivery and what criteria should be applied in making the decision. This would allow Liquor to Go sales to continue and add requirements that support public health and safety.”
In response, ABLE BC and our Committee Leaders will be hosting virtual townhalls for both LRS and LP licensees. These sessions will provide an opportunity to share perspectives, align priorities, and develop a collective industry response. Details and registration can be found below.
Feedback is open until August 7, 2025. While ABLE BC will be submitting recommendations on behalf of our members, we also encourage individual businesses to share their own feedback. You can find all the details here. Upcoming Townhalls: Liquor Primary Townhall Thursday, July 3, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Hosted on Microsoft Teams
RSVP Here
Liquor Primary Townhall Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Hosted on Microsoft Teams
RSVP Here
Licensee Retail Store Townhall Thursday, July 3, 2025 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Hosted on Microsoft Teams
RSVP Here
Licensee Retail Store Townhall Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Hosted on Microsoft Teams
RSVP Here |
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LDB Welcomes Industry Feedback on Deliveries and Pallet Configurations |
ABLE BC touring the LDB DC |
ABLE BC has been actively raising members’ concerns about delivery issues and pallet configurations with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) and we’re pleased to share that the LDB has put a clear process in place to address these concerns.
To help improve service and support ongoing staff assessment and training, the LDB is now encouraging industry members to report any delivery or pallet issues directly to the Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC). This process ensures concerns are properly documented, traced to the source, and resolved through appropriate corrective actions. When submitting feedback, you may be asked to provide photos of pallet documentation. This helps the LDB identify where the issue originated and take the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.
Contact Details Contact the WCC Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
1-888-775-0681 or wholesalehelp@bcldb.com. |
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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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LDB Update: Final U.S. Wine Inventory Now Available
The LDB has shared an update regarding the last remaining inventory of U.S. wine available for purchase through wholesale distribution in BC. This move supports the LDB’s ongoing commitment to make U.S.-made products available until current stock is sold through.
To fulfill customer demand, the LDB is now releasing previously stored repacked inventory, which will be shipped in plain cardboard boxes. These repacked cases - securely stored and now reintroduced into circulation - allow the LDB to fully utilize its distribution centre space and meet market needs. Important Notes for Customers: - Orders may be fulfilled with repacked cases once original stock in agent warehouses is depleted.
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The LDB will email customers and post a notice on the Wholesale Operations website to advise that once U.S. product is no longer in stock at the agent warehouse, customer orders will be fulfilled with repacked product. Repacked products will be marked on the U.S. product list, posted on the Wholesale Operations website and on Web Store.
- While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, repacked cases may include mixed labels, vintages, or product lots.
- The LDB’s standard wholesale returns policy applies - returns will not be accepted based solely on repacked case inconsistencies.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact bo@ablebc.ca so we can ensure they’re addressed with the LDB. |
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New From Bartier Bros.: Pristine Made in B.C. Grown in Washington.
Following severe crop losses from the Okanagan freezes in December 2022 and January 2024, Bartier Bros. sourced premium fruit from Washington State to maintain production without compromising quality. After careful vineyard selection, Bartier Bros. launched Pristine this spring - a new line of seven wines that have vibrant fruit, freshness and balance that define the Pristine style.
Pristine wines are made in Oliver, BC using grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills, and Wahluke Slope AVAs in the Columbia Valley. Pristine wines offer consistency, freshness, and very friendly pricing - ideal for by-the-glass pours, seasonal features, and retail shelves.
Bartier Bros. has produced seven different wines (four whites, three rosés) under the Pristine label with all seven Pristine SKUs wholesaling for $13.42 per bottle (12 x 750ml bottles per case) and suggested retail of $17.99-$19.99. 2024 Pristine Wines: - Pristine White – Columbia Valley AVA | SKU 285630
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Pristine Rosé – Columbia Valley AVA | SKU 243475
- Pristine Sauvignon Blanc – McNary Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills AVA | SKU 285633
- Pristine Riesling – Zillah Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills AVA | SKU 285622
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Pristine Chardonnay – Soaring Eagle Vineyard, Wahluke Slope AVA | SKU 285625
- Pristine Vin Gris – Zillah Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills AVA | SKU 285616
- Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé – Columbia Valley AVA
For more info and to order please contact: wine@bartierbros.com. |
The Summer Edition of the Quarterly Pour is Here!
The Summer 2025 edition of Quarterly Pour is now available online! In this issue: - Top 10 Food Trends you need to know
- Marketing on a Shoestring: Low-cost strategies that work
- Creating an Unforgettable Atmosphere for your customers
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A spotlight on Jolly Miller Pub & Liquor Store
- And Is Tech Killing Service?
Check out the issue here. |
Partner with ABLE BC: New Sponsorship and 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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Cannabis Corner: Cannabis Sales at Events in BC
Earlier this month, ABLE BC Cannabis Chair Committee Feven Berhane and ABLE BC's Bo Chen met with the LCRB to explore potential policy frameworks related to cannabis sales at events in BC. The LCRB is currently reviewing the role of both Producer Retail Stores (PRS) and Cannabis Retail Stores (CRS) in this context, as part of their broader consideration of regulatory changes that could support the industry’s growth.
Under current regulations, on-site retail cannabis sales at events are not permitted. For example, a cannabis licensee may not operate a booth or pop-up shop selling cannabis at an event. To sell cannabis, a business must hold a CRS or PRS licence; however, deliveries to event sites by licensed retailers are currently allowed.
During the meeting, ABLE BC shared perspectives on the complementary relationship between private retailers and producers in BC, and highlighted key elements that would contribute to a successful roll-out of any future program - including collaboration among retailers, 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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go2HR On Tap: June is About Respect - For Every Team Member & Every Guest
June is more than patio season - it’s a time to lead with respect and care in your bar or pub. This month, we’re spotlighting: - Pride Month - creating safer, more welcoming spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ staff and patrons
- National Indigenous History Month - recognizing the resilience, culture, and impact of Indigenous Peoples
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Men’s Mental Health Month - breaking the silence on mental health and building psychologically safe teams
In BC’s bar and pub scene, your team and your guests come from every walk of life. Respect and inclusion aren’t just good hospitality - they’re smart business. Need a hand? Our Regional HR Consultants are here to support you in building a safer, stronger workplace.
Book your free HR consultation today. |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
Left: ABLE BC Leadership at BC's Legislative Assembly in Victoria
Top Right: Bo Chen (ABLE BC) & Nate Sabine (Director of This Is Blueprint) @ Good Co Bar on Main Street
Bottom Right: ABLE BC's Bo Chen providing industry updates & insight at the Irish Times Pub in Victoria |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: - ABLE BC Liquor Primary Townhall: Online, July 3, 2025
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ABLE BC LRS Townhall: Online, July 3, 2025
- Vancouver Craft Beer Music and Wing Fest: July 12, 2025
ABLE BC Liquor Primary Townhall: Online, July 16, 2025 ABLE BC LRS Townhall: Online, July 16, 2025 -
Vancouver Punch Bowl Fest: July 26, 2025
- Global Rum Festival: September 27, 2025
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Victoria International Wine Festival: October 2-4, 2025
- BC Restaurant Hall of Fame: October 20, 2025
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