Liquor Industry Update: March 19, 2026

Advocacy Win for RTDs Direct Shipping, Single Bottle Pick Service Update, IVSA Spring Product Salons, and More ----------------------------------------------- Liquor Industry Update: March 19, 2026 Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues, Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: Advocacy Win! RTDs to Ship Directly to Licensees ABLE BC is Hiring! Community Ambassador Role LDB Update: Single Bottle Pick Service Marquis Wine Cellars: VIWF Awards - Wine Retailer of 2026 Federal Government: Temporary Foreign Worker Program Relief FIFA Fan Festival Coming to the PNE for World Cup 2026 IVSA Spring Product Salons Full BCHA Summit Program Announced Member Pricing for BC Wine Insight Conference go2HR February 2026 Labour Market Update What you'll find in every newsletter: Cannabis Corner: West Coast Weedery go2HR on Tap: Learning Circle Series - Indigenous Perspectives on Psychological Safety Out and About with ABLE BC Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars PAST NEWSLETTERS NEWSLETTER SIGN UP Advocacy Win! RTDs to Ship Directly to Licensees ABLE BC's Bo Chen with Please Beverage Co. Distillery Team During Media Day We’re excited to share a major advocacy win for BC's hospitality and liquor industry: eligible BC manufacturers will soon be able to direct deliver packaged refreshment beverages (RTDs) to wholesale customers, including bars, restaurants, and private liquor stores. This long-awaited policy change marks a meaningful step forward in modernizing BC’s liquor distribution system—something ABLE BC has consistently championed on behalf of our members. What This Means for the Industry Once implemented (targeted for this spring), the new policy will allow eligible BC manufacturers, such as breweries, distilleries, and wineries, to ship RTDs directly to licensees, offering: Faster, more efficient delivery to businesses Increased product availability and flexibility Reduced pressure on centralized distribution channels Greater alignment with how other jurisdictions operate Importantly, distribution through the LDB will remain an option, and import products (including RTDs, wine, and spirits) will continue to be distributed through existing channels. Further operational details will be shared with manufacturers in the coming weeks, including information related to direct delivery or LDB distribution requests. For more information, please refer to the LDB Wholesale announcement, General FAQs, and Vendor-Related FAQs. Bo & BC Craft Brewers Guild's Executive Director, Ken Beattie celebrating the win at Rewind Beer Co. A Collective Advocacy Effort This win reflects a strong, coordinated push across industry. ABLE BC played a leading and active role—advocating behind the scenes, engaging in media efforts, and elevating this issue as a top policy priority during last Fall. We’re proud to have worked alongside key industry partners, including the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA), Beer Canada, the Craft Brewers Guild, Restaurants Canada, and other allies of the Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP). Built on Real-World Challenges This policy shift is grounded in real operational challenges experienced by our membership. ABLE BC worked closely with partners like Please Beverage Co. to highlight the urgent need for more flexible and resilient distribution options. The result is a more responsive system that better supports both operators and manufacturers when it matters most. Looking Ahead “This is a welcomed policy change for BC's liquor industry and efficiently streamlines our supply chain, benefiting licensees, manufacturers, as well as other industry allies and operators,” said Bo Chen, ABLE BC Executive Director. “With the World Cup around the corner this summer, improving our distribution channels will help our industry tremendously.” Implementation will require system updates, with further operational details expected in the coming weeks. We’ll continue to keep members informed as timelines and processes are confirmed. ABLE BC is Hiring! Community Ambassador Role We’re hiring! Are you a natural connector who loves building community? We’re looking for a Community Ambassador to join ABLE BC and help us grow and engage our membership across BC’s liquor and cannabis industries. This is a relationship-first role focused on: Membership recruitment & retention Industry engagement Events & outreach Supporting BC businesses to thrive If you have experience in sales, hospitality, liquor or cannabis retail (or just genuinely love this industry), this could be your next step. Hybrid (Vancouver-based) Apply by March 27, 2026 Send your cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to bo@ablebc.ca If you’re relationship-driven, confident in outreach, and passionate about supporting BC’s private liquor and cannabis businesses, we’d love to hear from you. Find the full job description here. LEARN MORE LDB Update: Single Bottle Pick Service LDB Wholesale Operations has shared the following Single Bottle Pick Service update: We are pleased to share the LDB Wholesale Operations has completed its seasonal review of the single bottle pick service. Just under 20 per cent of the single bottle pick product selection has been refreshed and will continue to offer a selection of year-round spirits, champagnes, wines and liqueurs in 750ml and 1.14L volume format. The updated list of all single bottle pick products is posted on the LDB Wholesale Operations website here. The 10 per cent bottle pick rule – as applicable to specific customer types, and outlined in the WCC Order Handbook – will continue to apply.  The single bottle pick service selection balances efficient distribution centre operations with customer demand, allowing LDB Wholesale Operations to focus on providing uninterrupted service to our customers. The LDB continues to follow the Government of BC's directive announced on March 10, 2025, and US-made products will continue to be available for purchase until existing inventory in British Columbia sells through. The selection assortment will continue to be reviewed and assessed seasonally. Marquis Wine Cellars: VIWF Awards - Wine Retailer of 2026 Marquis Wine Cellars Manager, Jon Ellison with the VIWF Wine Retailer of the Year Award Last week at Vancouver International Wine Festival, we celebrated Marquis Wine Cellars as they received the 2026's Wine Retailer of the Year Award! ABLE BC's Bo Chen commented: "It was a honour to co-sponsor this with the IVSA. I was thrilled to learn that Marquis Wine Cellars won the award. I love visiting their store and checking out the selection. I've also had the privilege of working alongside with John Clerides at Marquis in ABLE BC's advocacy efforts and can't imagine any other independent retailer in the Vancouver downtown core that is more deserving of this recognition." 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 jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. LOG IN SUPPORT OUR ADVOCACY WORK, JOIN ABLE BC TODAY! Federal Government Announces Temporary Foreign Worker Program Relief On March 13, the Federal government announced new Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) relief measures,  including new flexibilities designed to support rural employers. If you missed it, you can review the full announcement here.  Key measures include: an increased cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers in eligible rural regions (from 10% to 15%), along with targeted adjustments that better reflect the realities of seasonal and hard-to-fill roles. While not specific to hospitality and tourism, these changes are directly relevant to hospitality businesses and hotels, particularly in rural and remote communities where local labour supply remains limited. This week, the conversation has continued at the provincial level. Recent signals suggest the BC Government may not fully support or opt into this federal approach. In response, the BC Hotel Association, alongside industry partners, is submitting a formal letter to Premier David Eby and provincial leaders outlining the importance of this program for rural tourism and hospitality operators. The BCHA writes, "Our message is clear: access to temporary foreign workers remains essential for many hotels to operate at full capacity, maintain service standards, and support local economies. Without it, operators face difficult decisions that impact staffing, revenue, and community vitality." We will continue to keep members informed as this file progresses. FIFA Fan Festival™ Coming to the PNE for World Cup 2026 As Vancouver prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the official FIFA Fan Festival™ will transform Hastings Park at the PNE into the city’s central celebration hub from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The festival will feature giant screens broadcasting matches, along with live entertainment, cultural programming, food and beverage vendors, and interactive fan experiences. Designed to be accessible and family-friendly, the festival will welcome thousands of fans each day and serve as a key gathering place for supporters outside BC Place. Learn more HERE. View the Match Day Schedule here. Extending Licensed Hours If you’re planning to open earlier, stay open later, or otherwise adjust your liquor service hours to accommodate match schedules, now is the time to submit your licence amendment application. Applications must be approved before the event, and processing times can vary - so we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. The LCRB and local governments are prioritizing FIFA-related applications and providing hands-on support to help licensees make the most of the economic opportunities related to the matches. To date, the LCRB has received 132 applications - 77 have been approved and 22 applications are in process. Need Help Navigating This? We encourage you to contact Rebecca Hardin at Thrive Advisors. Book your complimentary consultation here. The City is also encouraging businesses to review the Community Activation Playbook, which outlines options for public viewing, permitting, event activations, and FIFA-related programming. Import Vinters & Spirits Association's Spring Product Salons ABLE BC's Bo Chen with Import Vinters & Spirits Association's Executive Director, Stacy Kyle  The IVSA Spring Product Salons return this April with three opportunities for the trade and hospitality community to taste what’s new and connect directly with import agents. With 85% of participating agencies pouring at least two new SKUs, these salons offer buyers an early look at Spring/Summer releases across wine and spirits. It’s an efficient way to discover new products, build relationships with agents, and stay ahead of seasonal menus and retail demand. Dates & Locations Victoria April 7 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Vancouver April 22 | 12:30 – 3:00 PM The Vancouver Club Langley April 29 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM Haven Kitchen + Bar Victoria Bonus Session Prior to the Victoria salon, we’re pleased to host David Hume from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a 30-minute open Q&A. Bring your questions on topics such as patio permits, minors as agents, liquor primary licensing, and other regulatory matters affecting hospitality businesses. Please note: Attendance is limited and registration will be required to attend the Victoria Q&A session. Whether you're planning new cocktail programs, refreshing your wine list, or scouting seasonal retail opportunities, these salons offer a chance to taste widely, ask questions, and discover what’s next. ABLE BC is excited to attend the Spring Product Salons and support our industry allies. We look forward to seeing you there! REGISTER NOW Full BCHA Summit Program Announced The BCHA Summit comes to Nanaimo on April 14 and 15 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. This year’s theme, Future Ready: Strategies for a Stronger, Smarter Sector, sets the tone for two days of conversations about where British Columbia’s hotel industry is heading and how operators can prepare for what’s next. The full Summit program is now available and includes sessions exploring: Leadership, team culture, and attracting the next generation Workforce strategies and international hiring pathways Artificial intelligence and technology in hotel operations Cost pressures and the business outlook for BC hotels Industry performance trends and market forecasts Curated for hospitality leaders and change-makers, the program tackles the pressures facing hotels today while exploring emerging trends and practical ideas. Explore the full program and register today! REGISTER NOW Member Pricing for BC Wine Insight Conference Join BC wine industry professionals to learn from expert speakers on topics related to business leadership and marketing. Wine Growers British Columbia is excited to announce that the annual Insight Conference will be held in Penticton, BC, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This year's conference is designed to offer valuable insights and strategies tailored to BC winery owners, team leaders and marketing professionals. The days' programming will be followed directly by a sparkling toast and the Industry Recognition Awards and Canadian Wine Industry Awards, hosted jointly by Wine Growers British Columbia and Wine Growers Canada. View the full agenda and register here. Limited tickets remaining! Member Pricing: ABLE BC has secured special pricing for our members. Please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca for promo code. REGISTER NOW go2HR February 2026 Labour Market Update BC’s Tourism and Hospitality industry experienced modest growth in February, with employment increasing from January levels. The labour force also expanded, indicating more people either working in or seeking employment within the sector. While employment gains were observed in several regions and sectors, overall employment and hours worked remain below pre-pandemic levels. February’s labour market data reflects a 1.7 percent increase in employment, rising to 337,500 from 331,750 in January. Employment remains 8,000 below February 2019 levels. The labour force grew by 1.9 percent to 361,500, surpassing the pre-COVID benchmark, while the unemployment rate edged up slightly from 6.5 percent in January to 6.6 percent in February. Key Highlights Employment increased by 1.7 percent to 337,500 in February The tourism and hospitality labour force increased to 361,500, surpassing February 2019 levels The unemployment rate increased slightly to 6.6 percent Aggregate weekly hours worked decreased to 8.78 million hours, down from 9.29 million in January and below February 2019 levels The share of workers employed full-time declined from 62 percent in January to 58 percent in February Regional Trends Employment increased in the Cariboo, Lower Mainland, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, and Vancouver Island, while declines were recorded in the Kootenay region Tourism and hospitality employment in the Thompson Okanagan and Vancouver Island regions remained above February 2019 levels Employment in the Cariboo, Kootenay, Lower Mainland, and Northern BC regions remained below pre-COVID benchmarks Regional unemployment rates ranged from 3.1 percent in the Cariboo to 14.0 percent in the Kootenay region Sector Performance Employment increased in the Food and Beverage sector, while Accommodation, Recreation and Entertainment, and Transportation and Travel sectors recorded declines from January to February Accommodation, Recreation and Entertainment, and Transportation and Travel sectors are now above February 2019 employment levels, while Food and Beverage remains below pre-pandemic levels The Transportation and Travel sector had the highest share of full-time workers at approximately 81 percent, compared to 43 percent in the Food and Beverage sector Average hourly earnings ranged from $22 to $43 across sectors, with Transportation reporting the highest wages and Food and Beverage the lowest For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR’s Employment Tracker. 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. Cannabis Corner: West Coast Weedery West Coast Weedery (WCW) is a micro-production and processing facility located on a small 3.5 acre farmstead on picturesque Galiano Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. Launched in December of 2025, WCW cultivates, sources, and markets premium small-batch craft cannabis products for Direct Delivery to retailers across the province. Their goal is to curate unique offerings that embody innovation, integrity, and exceptional quality while also supporting the BC economy and local environment.  READ MORE JOIN ABLE BC CANNABIS TODAY SIGN-UP FOR CANNABIS UPDATES go2HR on Tap: Learning Circle Series - Indigenous Perspectives on Psychological Safety Creating psychologically safe workplaces means listening to diverse perspectives and learning from the communities that shape our industry. go2HR’s new Learning Circles video series featuring Indigenous educator Len Pierre brings Indigenous perspectives on psychological health and safety into BC’s Tourism & Hospitality workplaces. Developed in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), this five-part series offers short, thought-provoking sessions designed to spark reflection and support more culturally and psychologically safe environments. Each Learning Circle explores practical ways employers and teams can strengthen workplace culture. Topics include respectful and culturally safer terminology, understanding how feedback supports psychological safety, and applying Indigenous and trauma-informed approaches to conflict resolution. The series also explores how individuals and organizations can move from awareness to advocacy by creating space for Indigenous voices, practicing everyday allyship, and supporting reconciliation through workplace actions. Together, these sessions highlight how cultural safety and psychological safety work hand in hand to create respectful environments where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and contribute fully.  They also invite both employers and employees to reflect on how these perspectives can help shape stronger teams, safer workplaces, and more inclusive guest experiences across BC’s Tourism & Hospitality sector. Watch and share the Learning Circles series Out & About with ABLE BC Top Left: Bo with IVSA Executive Director, Stacy Kyle @ Vancouver Cocktail Week Gala Top Right: Bo catching up with Nancy Maclean of Sasquatch Inn Pub & Liquor Store Below Left: Vancouver International Wine Festival, Bo & Jeremy Pott (RM & Head Buyer of Cascadia Liquor) Below Right: Bo at Vancouver Community College's event Flourish with VP of Community Development, Jane Shin Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: go2HR Webinar - Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace: March 25, 2026 BC Wine Industry Insight Conference in Penticton: March 31, 2026 WORTH Leadership Summit in Vancouver: April 1, 2026 BC Wine Month: April 1-30, 2026 Belong Inclusive Tourism Job Fair in Vancouver: April 2, 2026 IVSA Spring Product Salon Victoria: April 7, 2026 BCHA Summit in Nanaimo: April 14-15, 2026 2026 BC Crime Stoppers Annual Conference in Kelowna: April 17, 2026 IVSA Spring Product Salon Vancouver: April 22, 2026 IVSA Spring Product Salon Langley: April 29, 2026 Top Drop in Vancouver: May 11-12, 2026 BC Food & Beverage Thrive Conference in Burnaby: May 29, 2026  BC Beer Conference in Vancouver: October 15-16, 2026 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