New Tariff Tools, SPARK Photos, US Liquor Ban, Upcoming Events, and more! ----------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: March 20, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: SPARK 2025 photos now available! BC introduces new tools to respond to tariffs Impacts of Banning American-made Liquor Products Granville bar owners demand immediate action ahead of FIFA New government resources to support BC businesses BC Hotel Association SUMMIT (April 22-23 in Vancouver) Introducing New Associate Membership Tiers go2HR Survey: Workplace Health and Safety Victoria's First-Ever Cocktail Week - Don't Miss Out!
What you'll find in every newsletter: Ask an Expert: Unlock Big Savings with Foodbuy Cannabis Corner: SPARK 2025 Cannabis Recap go2HR on Tap: Onboarding Tips For Your Business Out and About with ABLE BC Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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SPARK 2025 Photos Now Available Thank you to everyone who attended SPARK 2025: BC's Liquor & Cannabis Conference on March 5 in Vancouver! The ABLE BC team worked hard to bring together members and industry colleagues from hospitality, liquor retail, and cannabis retail for a day of advocacy, learning, and connection. We are incredibly proud of this successful event! The day culminated in an exciting tasting reception co-hosted with the Tourism Industry Conference at Vancouver’s historic Rocky Mountaineer Train Station featuring BC and Canadian beer, wine, and spirits. Click here to see photos from SPARK. Click here to see from the closing reception . SPARK 2025 wouldn't have been possible without the support of our members, our partners, inspiring speakers, and most importantly our generous sponsors! Please join us in thanking them. |
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BC Introduces New Tools to Respond to Tariffs BC recently introduced new measures to give government additional legislative and regulatory powers to respond to U.S. tariffs rapidly. If passed, Bill 7: the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act , will allow cabinet to: - remove or amend barriers that impede interprovincial trade;
- impose tolls/fees on non-Canadian commercial vehicles using provincial public infrastructure such as highways;
- direct public-sector bodies to exclude U.S. suppliers when procuring goods and services; and
- temporarily make changes to cut red tape and regulations to take fast action to defend the B.C. economy from challenges brought on by continued threats.
Premier Eby claims these measures are about “arming ourselves with the tools we need to respond swiftly, break down trade barriers within Canada, and strengthen our economy.” However, others have raised serious concerns that Bill 7 will skirt the authority of the Legislature and allow Cabinet to amend or override provincial laws and regulations unilaterally. We are monitoring this issue closely and will offer further analysis in the coming weeks. In the meantime, click here to read a copy of the bill . |
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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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Impacts of Banning American-made Liquor Products The decision by most provinces to ban U.S.-made liquor products has led to a strong “Buy Canadian” movement across the country. Canada is a critical market for U.S. spirits, making up about 31 per cent of all U.S. exports of distilled spirits in 2024. Canada is also an important market for U.S. wine and beer. According to recent media reports, U.S. businesses are starting to feel the impact. Lawson Whiting, CEO of Brown-Forman (the parent company of Jack Daniel's), described the action as "worse than a tariff." Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, expressed that these retaliatory measures could "jeopardize growth for years." Prior to the trade dispute, Canada was a significant importer of Kentucky-made spirits, with exports totaling $43 million in 2023. Here in BC, some private retailers are seeing a spike in demand for popular American-made products , while others are seeing significant declines—particularly of products like U.S. red wines. We expect customers will continue to have strong opinions as this situation develops. Rest assured ABLE BC will do everything we can to support you in the weeks and months ahead |
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Granville Bar Owners Demand Immediate Action Ahead of FIFA Bar owners in Vancouver’s Granville Entertainment District are calling for urgent action to address escalating street disorder and safety concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They report that conditions have worsened significantly, with business down by as much as 60 per cent. Dave Kershaw, owner of Cabana Nightclub, expressed deep frustration, stating that poor policy decisions have led to a decline in the area's vitality. He noted that business has plummeted by approximately 60%, a sentiment echoed by other operators in the area. A major concern is the Howard Johnson hotel, converted into an SRO in 2020, which they say has contributed to increased crime, open drug use, and operational disruptions. Alan Goodall of Aura Nightclub, located within the same building as the SRO, recounted over 200 flooding incidents caused by sprinkler systems being tampered with, resulting in significant financial losses and operational disruptions. Operators are urging the city and province to take immediate steps to revitalize the area, including extending SkyTrain hours to improve accessibility and safety. Without intervention, they warn that Granville’s nightlife— which employs 10,000 people and contributes $750 million to Vancouver's economy—could be at risk. See the story on Global News. |
New government resources to support BC businesses BC's Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation (JEDI) has prepared resources to assist the business sector during these challenging times. At the same time, they are looking to hear from you. Whether you have concerns, questions, or suggestions, they encourage you to reach out and share them. Learn more about B.C. and Canada's Response to U.S. Tariffs HERE. Learn more about the Government of Canada's framework and process for considering requests for tariff relief and/or refunds on certain goods from the U.S. HERE. Please feel free to reach out to at Minister@gov.bc.ca with your input. You can also connect with Ministry Offices and staff HERE. For more information on B.C.’s response to the unjust U.S. tariffs, please CLICK HERE.
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BC Hotel Association SUMMIT (April 22-23 in Vancouver) This year's BCHA Summit centers around the theme, Shaping Tomorrow: Leading and Growing Together—a call to embrace new opportunities and realize untapped potential. SUMMIT brings together leaders in hospitality to explore fresh insights and bold ideas that will drive BC's accomodation industry forward. Focusing on the power of collective leadership, resilience, and collaboration, SUMMIT will explore how hoteliers can embrace change, adapt to challenges, and grow together. Through forward-thinking discussions and actionable strategies, SUMMIT will help shape a brighter future for the hospitality sector. With a bustling Marketplace, endless networking opportunities, and a dynamic program in store, now is the time to secure your spot. Don’t wait! Register today and be part of a collaborative, captivating, and cutting-edge Summit! |
Introducing New Associate Membership Tiers ABLE BC's Manager of Membership & 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:
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go2HR Workplace Health and Safety Survey Attention BC Tourism & Hospitality Workers! Your insights are invaluable! Take 5–7 minutes to complete a confidential surveyon workplace health & safety from go2HR. Your feedback helps shape better policies, resources, and training for a safer, healthier industry. Why participate? - Influence workplace safety improvements
- Help shape industry initiatives
- Chance to win a $250 gift card!
Your voice matters—let’s build a stronger, safer tourism & hospitality sector together. |
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Victoria's First-Ever Cocktail Week - Don't Miss Out! For the first time, Victoria Cocktail Week is bringing bars, distilleries, and industry professionals together for a week-long celebration of cocktails, creativity, and craft. From April 13–20, 2025, experience an exciting lineup of events showcasing the best of Victoria’s cocktail scene. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just love a well-made drink, this is your chance to learn, taste, and experience something unforgettable. What’s Happening: - Masterclasses & Tastings – Get hands-on with expert-led sessions exploring spirits, techniques, and cocktail trends.
- Exclusive Pop-Ups & Guest Shifts – One-night-only events featuring special menus, collaborations, and top bartenders.
- Signature Cocktail Events – From tasting dinners to themed nights, there’s something for every craft beverage lover.
- Limited-Capacity Gatherings – Many events have small guest lists to keep them intimate—grab your spot early!
Why You Need to Be There: - Experience Victoria’s cocktail culture like never before
- Meet the city’s top bartenders, distillers, and industry pros
- Sip on exclusive, event-only cocktails you won’t find anywhere else
- Tickets are on sale now, and with so many one-night-only events, you won’t want to wait
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Ask an Expert: Unlock Big Savings With Foodbuy Until April 30th, join Foodbuy and receive $400 toward your ABLE BC membership fee. Foodbuy leverages group purchasing to offers members unbeatable savings and rebates on thousands of food and non-food products and services. Why join? - Easy sign-up , no cost, no term memberships
- Savings and rebates on 36,000+ SKUs from 450+ suppliers
- Order through your distributor partner
- Transparent, on-demand purchasing reports
- Vendor pricing stability
To start saving today, email martin.brochu@foodbuy.ca. |
Cannabis Corner: SPARK 2025 Cannabis Recap Although we host SPARK annually, this was our first conference including cannabis members. A very special thank you to our sponsors, advocacy partners, members, and government representatives from the cannabis industry! Here are some conference highlights from our cannabis specific program: - Understanding Cannabis Policies and Modern Outlooks
- Cannabis Market Trends: Product Categories in BC
- Exploring Canna Tourism and Hospitality
- Optimize Your Sales & Profits with Cannabis Retail Best Practices
- Bridging the Gap: Licensed & Illicit Cannabis
Read our cannabis newsletter HERE Want to get involved in our cannabis advocacy? Contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca to learn more about membership. And make sure to sign up for the Cannabis Industry Update newsletter to stay informed on all our cannabis efforts. |
go2HR on Tap: Onboarding Tips For Your Business go2HR is a regular contributor to the ABLE BC Liquor Industry Update newsletter, providing tips and guidance on current HR trends, new legislation, employee recruitment and retention, and more. To read the latest instalment, sign in to the member portal or sign up for the newsletter . A new employee’s first day can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a prime opportunity for employers to make a great first impression. In today’s competitive labor market, a strong onboarding process not only sets employees up for success but also strengthens your employer brand—helping attract and retain skilled workers. Onboarding, sometimes called orientation, is the process of introducing new hires to your workplace and their role. Depending on the size and complexity of your business, it can last anywhere from a day to several months. Regardless of the duration, here are a few tips to make it effective: - Connect Before Day One: Reach out before their start date to confirm details like start time, person they will be meeting, access procedures, and parking/transit options. It’s also best to have the employment contract signed in advance.
- Plan for a Smooth First Day: Give them a tour, introduce key team members, complete any paperwork, and assign a buddy to help them settle in.
- Set Clear Expectations: Provide an overview of company policies, their role, training plan, performance expectations, reporting structure, and health & safety guidelines.
- Follow Up Regularly: Check in with new employees at regular intervals to answer questions, provide feedback, and ensure they feel supported
A little planning goes a long way in making new employees feel welcome and prepared. Use this tip sheet to create a structured, positive onboarding experience that sets your team up for long-term success! go2HR , the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of resources to support you. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees with health and safety at safety@go2HR.ca . |
Out and About with ABLE BC BC’s liquor and hospitality industry continues to grapple with significant uncertainty in the face of on-again, off-again American tariffs, a ban on US alcohol imports, discussions of removing inter-provincial trade barriers, increased costs, and historic decreases in consumer demand . On your behalf, ABLE BC meets regularly with senior government officials and industry association leaders to discuss how we can support our grow our industries during these challenging times. In case you missed it, ABLE BC appeared in the following media recently: ABLE BC members and industry colleagues were also featured in these articles: |
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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