BC Budget 2026 Commentary, ABLE BC is Hiring, World Cup (Liquor Delivery Times), and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: March 5, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - BC Budget 2026: ABLE BC Comments
- ABLE BC is Hiring! Community Ambassador Role
FIFA World Cup™ Vancouver: Liquor Delivery Times - BC Adopts Permanent Daylight Saving Time
- Minimum Wage Increases on June 1, 2026
- Proposed Changes for BC Employer, Worker Complaint Process
Industry Gathering - Nanaimo April: Register for BCHA Summit Connect and Celebrate with your Colleagues at VIWF Trade Days Spring Issue of the Quarterly Pour is Out!
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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ABLE BC Commentary on BC Budget 2026 |
Following the tabling of BC Budget 2026, ABLE BC has reviewed the fiscal plan to assess what it may signal for British Columbia’s liquor hospitality, private liquor retail, and cannabis retail sectors. Below are several key observations from ABLE BC’s review.
Health Remains a Key Priority for BC One of the most notable elements of the fiscal plan is the scale of expenses dedicated to the Ministry of Health. Ministry Expenses (millions): - 2026/27: $36,116
- 2027/28: $37,302
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2028/29: $38,404
Health remains the largest ministry expense in the provincial budget, and are projected to continue increasing over the next three years.
Continued Major Investment in Health Infrastructure The fiscal plan also outlines significant capital spending for health infrastructure.
Health Capital Spending (millions): 2026/27: $3,769 2027/28: $3,924 2028/29: $3,385
This represents the highest level of healthcare capital investment in the past five years, reinforcing the central role health care plays in provincial fiscal planning.
Modest Declines in Ministries That Directly Impact the Sector Two ministries that directly influence the regulatory environment for liquor and cannabis businesses are projected to see flat or slightly declining budgets. Ministry Expenses (millions):
Agriculture and Food - 2026/27: $135
- 2027/28: $130
- 2028/29: $130
Public Safety and Solicitor General - 2026/27: $1,100
- 2027/28: $1,100
- 2028/29: $1,099
While the changes are modest, declining or flat ministry budgets may create challenges in areas such as: - Policy development and modernization
- Regulatory enforcement
- Licensing and operational improvements
Limited bandwidth within regulatory ministries may slow the pace of policy reforms or operational enhancements that could benefit industry stakeholders. Liquor Revenue Forecast Declining The fiscal plan forecasts declining revenue from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Forecast Net Income (millions): -
2026/27: $945
- 2027/28: $897
- 2028/29: $847
The budget notes that the reductions reflect: “Lower expected sales revenue due to economic conditions, shifts in consumer purchase preferences, and a downward trend in liquor consumption.”
Gaming Revenue Continues to Grow
In contrast to liquor revenue projections, revenue from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is forecast to increase. Forecast Net Income (millions): - 2026/27: $1,293
- 2027/28: $1,339
- 2028/29: $1,386
The budget notes that BCLC’s net income supports a range of provincial programs, including health care.
At the same time, capital spending for BCLC is forecasted to decline slightly: Capital Spending (millions): -
2026/27: $95
- 2027/28: $90
- 2028/29: $90
In many communities, gaming operations and liquor hospitality operate as complementary economic drivers, particularly in entertainment and tourism districts.
With health care representing the largest provincial expense, government may continue examining how various regulated industries—including beverage alcohol—contribute to broader public revenue and health system funding.
Rising Taxes May Influence Consumer Spending Budget 2026 includes several revenue measures that will increase overall tax contributions across the province.
Projected increases include: - Personal income tax revenue
- Corporate income tax revenue
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Property tax revenue
These increases may have several implications for the sector: -
Consumers may adjust discretionary spending, including hospitality and retail purchases.
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Operating costs for businesses may rise, particularly through property and corporate tax impacts.
- Businesses may need to
adapt their offerings, pricing strategies, and operations to respond to changing consumer spending patterns.
Increased Capital Investment in the Liquor Distribution Branch
Capital spending for the BC Liquor Distribution Branch is projected to increase over the next three years. Capital Spending (millions): - 2026/27: $20
- 2027/28: $30
- 2028/29: $30
This represents the highest level of capital investment in the LDB over the past five years. The budget indicates these investments will support: -
Store upgrades and improvements
- Technology-related projects
- Equipment replacement and operational improvements
ABLE BC remains optimistic that these investments will also generate benefits for private liquor retailers and hospitality businesses, which are essential partners in the province’s economic activity, employment, and tax revenue generation.
For more insights and perspectives on how Budget 2026 impacts our industry, please contact bo@ablebc.ca |
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
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Send your application, cover letter, 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. |
FIFA World Cup™ Vancouver: Liquor Delivery Times |
With Vancouver set to take centre stage as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™, kicking off June 13, 2026, hospitality businesses across the region have a major opportunity ahead — and an important deadline to prepare for. Liquor Delivery Times - Will Your Business Be Impacted?
In a collaborative effort between ABLE BC and the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLBD), ABLE BC is reaching out to members and liquor hospitality operators in Vancouver to help coordinate liquor delivery times for businesses that may be impacted by FIFA-related road closures and events. Access the Community Activation Playbook (includes road closure info) HERE.
View the Match Day Schedule HERE.
If your business anticipates any challenges receiving deliveries, please email bo@ablebc.ca with your licence name, address, and your usual delivery days and times. |
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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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BC Adopts Permanent Daylight Saving Time |
The Government of British Columbia has announced that the province will move to permanent, year-round daylight saving time beginning in 2026, ending the long-standing practice of changing clocks twice a year.
After clocks move forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, British Columbians will remain on daylight saving time permanently. The fall time change, previously scheduled for November 1, 2026, will no longer take place. The province says the change is intended to reduce disruptions caused by switching clocks twice each year. Eliminating the seasonal time change is expected to make scheduling easier for families and businesses while providing an additional hour of evening daylight during the winter months.
Businesses and organizations across BC will have eight months to prepare before the final fall time change is removed from the calendar. ABLE BC was engaged by the Premier’s Office earlier in the policy process and expressed support for the change. The shift also aligns with broader discussions taking place across North America about eliminating seasonal time changes. |
Minimum Wage Increases: June 1, 2026 |
The Government of British Columbia has announced that the province’s general minimum wage will increase to $18.25 per hour effective June 1, 2026.
This increase is part of an automatic annual adjustment established under the Employment Standards Act. Since 2024, minimum wage increases in B.C. have been tied to the annual average change in the province’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). For 2026, the CPI increase was slightly over 2.1%, with the final wage rounded to the nearest nickel. Additional Wage Categories Also Increasing
The 2.1% increase will also apply to several other minimum wage categories, including rates for: - Resident caretakers
- Live-in home-support workers
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Live-in camp leaders
- App-based ride-hailing and delivery-service workers
In addition, the increase will apply to minimum agricultural piece rates for the hand harvesting of certain crops. However, those piece rate adjustments will take effect December 31, 2026.
Learn More - Members can review the official announcement from the Ministry of Labour
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Additional information about minimum wage rules is available through the Employment Standards Branch
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If you have questions about how the minimum wage applies in specific situations, you can contact the Employment Standards Branch directly
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ABLE BC will continue to keep members informed about labour policy changes that may impact hospitality and liquor-licensed businesses across the province.
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Proposed Changes for BC Employer, Worker Complaint Process |
The Government of British Columbia has introduced proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act to improve how workplace complaints and disputes are handled.
The changes are intended to streamline the complaint process through the Employment Standards Branch (ESB), helping resolve issues more quickly while maintaining fairness for both employers and workers. The amendments would create more opportunities for early resolution of straightforward complaints, improve clarity in investigations, and make it easier for workers to recover unpaid wages. The ESB investigates complaints related to employment standards for non-unionized employees and temporary foreign workers and works to facilitate voluntary compliance between employers and employees or issue decisions and penalties when violations occur. According to the province, approximately 75% of ESB resolution meetings already result in voluntary settlements within 30–45 days after a file is assigned. The proposed changes aim to further improve the efficiency of this process.
Read the full announcement here. ABLE BC will continue to monitor the legislation and share updates as it progresses. |
Industry Gathers in Nanaimo: Register Now for BCHA Summit |
On April 14-15, the BCHA Summit comes to Nanaimo, uniting 350+ hotel owners, operators, and industry leaders.
Over two days, the event features an engaging program, a bustling vendor Marketplace, and the prestigious Awards of Excellence gala — the premier forum for learning, networking, and collaboration in BC’s hotel sector.
Register now to be part of the conversation! |
Connect and Celebrate with your Colleagues at VIWF Trade Days Thursday, March 12 - Friday, March 13 |
The 47th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival returns next week with the industry-focused Trade Days program. Choose from two networking lunches, two trade tastings, and four in-depth seminars and catch up with industry professionals, leading educators, winemakers, and personalities from B.C. and around the wine world.
ABLE BC and IVSA are pleased to be co-sponsoring the Wine Retailer Award of the Year.
What to expect at VIWF Trade Days?
Explore the latest wine trends and dive into both renowned and emerging wine regions. Taste new vintages, exciting varieties and rare finds.
This year, the spotlight is on France with 27 wineries pouring wines from 10 storied regions in the Tasting Room as well as Beaujolais and Bordeaux tasting stations and Vive la France! wine bar. Three French-focused trade seminars provide a deep dive into the concept of terroir and what it means to consumers with Arnica Rowan, an in-depth look at the Beaujolais region presented by Iain Philip, and a masterclass with biodynamic expert, Gérard Bertrand.
Schedule of Events Thursday, March 12: France: Terroir & Trends, 9:30 a.m. - presented by Arnica Rowan - Wine Seminar - SOLD OUT
Principals Welcome Lunch, presented by Hillebrand Gori, 11:30 a.m. - Lunch
Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, 2:30 p.m.** - Tasting
Friday, March 13: Beaujolais: Dig into Diversity, 9:30 a.m. - presented by Iain Philip - Wine Seminar - SOLD OUT
Classic & Contemporary Australia, 9:30 a.m. - presented by Mark Davidson - Wine Seminar
Committed to Biodynamics, 9:30 a.m. - Gérald Bertrand in conversation with Anthony Gismondi - Wine Seminar*
Celebrating Excellence: 22nd Annual Awards Lunch, presented by ContainerWorld, 11:15 a.m. - Lunch
Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, 2:30 p.m.** - Tasting
*Held at The Vancouver Club **Buyers Hour: Early entrance at 1:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets for individual events now at VanWineFest.ca/tradedays. |
Spring Issue of the Quarterly Pour is Out! |
Read the Spring 2026 Issue of The Quarterly Pour . Featured articles in this issue:
Advertise with ABLE BC
The Quarterly Pour is the BC liquor industry’s source of trends and leading-edge news. The publication is the official magazine of ABLE BC, distributed quarterly to every licensee in the province.
For advertising opportunities in The Quarterly Pour, as well as the ABLE BC newsletter and website, download the 2026 Media Kit from EMC Publications. Contact Joyce Hayne, EMC Publications, at 604-574-4577or joyce@emcmarketing.com to book in now! |
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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: Message from ABLE BC Cannabis Committee Chair |
Over the past six months, our industry has been on a bit of a roller coaster. Since the summer, BC’s cannabis ecosystem has navigated supply chain disruptions, uncertainty, and the ripple effects of the industry related job action. We adapted, we problem-solved, and we kept our doors open in a time when many worried that wouldn’t be possible. What gives me real hope is what emerged from that challenge.
During this period, I’ve seen stronger alignment and deeper relationships form between independent retailers and BC producers. There’s been more communication, collaboration, and understanding on both sides. A resilient industry isn’t built in isolation - it’s built together. Click here to read more. |
go2HR on Tap: New Return-to-Work Manual Template for Hospitality |
We've released a new customizable Return-to-Work (RTW) Manual Template, developed specifically for BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry. This practical resource helps employers build clear, consistent processes to support injured workers, clarify roles and responsibilities, and align with WorkSafeBC requirements, including the Duty to Cooperate and Duty to Maintain Employment.
The fully editable template includes step-by-step injury management guidance, temporary suitable work tools, communication logs, and supervisor resources designed for real tourism operations. A strong RTW program protects workers, strengthens safety culture, and supports smoother recovery and reintegration. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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