ABLE BC HEADING TO VICTORIA, BC |
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Liquor Industry Update: May 15, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues, Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: - Career Alert - Numbers Cabaret, Vancouver’s #1 LGBTQ+ Nightclub!!
Ask an Expert: go2HR - Supporting Mental Health in BC Bars & Pubs: How to Boost Psychological Safety in Your Venue - Read the Spring 2025 Issue of The Quarterly Pour
Cannabis Corner: Upcoming Survey and Townhall - Out and About with ABLE BC
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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| A Message from Yvan Charette, President Dear ABLE BC Members and Fellow Owner/Operators, As President of ABLE BC, I’m proud to serve in a leadership capacity on the Board of Directors. Through such uncertain times, rest assured the ABLE BC staff are working hard and will be taking this association to new heights. I see their determination and I witness the Board getting behind them and putting in the work away from their businesses. Working for You — Every Day Over the past two weeks, our team has been actively engaging with government, listening to members, collaborating with the Board, and aligning internally to deliver on your priorities. Alongside with the ABLE BC team, I’ve been participating in daily meetings that represent your needs and elevate your concerns to the highest levels of government. Liquor in Convenience Stores I want to be clear on one of our top advocacy priorities: opposing the sale of liquor in convenience stores. This is not just a matter of competition—it is a serious public safety issue. It undermines decades of responsible retail practice, threatens jobs and investments in our industry, and opens the door to compliance concerns in an already strained enforcement environment. We are united in our stance, and I will continue to lead that charge. Upcoming Victoria Meetings ABLE BC Staff and our Liquor Retail Store (LRS) Committee have been preparing us for a key series of meetings in Victoria on May 26, including one with BC's Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General Garry Begg. These meetings are critical as we push forward your concerns and advance our agenda at the provincial level. In Closing We are at a pivotal time for our sectors. I want you to know that your concerns are being heard, your association is working for you, and your leadership team is fully committed to protecting your livelihood and ensuring your businesses are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve. Thank you for your continued trust and involvement. Together, we are stronger. Warm regards,
Yvan Charette
President, ABLE BC |
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ABLE BC is coming to Victoria - May 26 Victoria, BC ABLE BC Industry Mixer |
Join the ABLE BC team for an evening with industry leaders from the region in both liquor & cannabis sectors. Join ABLE BC's Board of Directors and Committee leaders for an evening of industry networking, advocacy discussions, and a bit of fun with like-minded entrepreneurs. This is an excellent opportunity to share perspectives and collaborate with fellow members in the region coming from the private liquor, hospitality, and cannabis spaces. ABLE BC President Yvan Charette, Cannabis Chair Feven Berhane, along with other advisors and industry partners are thrilled to be visiting Victoria to meet with other industry leaders. For event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jesse Sidhu at jesse@ablebc.ca Thank you to our advocacy sponsors, Community Savings Credit Union and Western Financial Group for supporting this event! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS WHO HELPED IN MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE! |
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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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Reminder: Minimum Wage Increase On June 1, 2025, BC’s minimum wage will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, a 2.6% change. This follows the changes made in Spring 2024 to the Employment Standards Act, which mandated annual wage increases.
We know it is a challenging time to increase costs for businesses. However, tying minimum wage to inflation is a win for industry that ABLE BC pushed for in recent years. Regular, predictable, and small increases make budgeting and planning for your business easier.
We recognize the financial pressure our members are under and will continue to work with government on relief measures and other solutions that will help your business thrive. |
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Minors as Agents inspection notifications We are pleased to share an important update from the LCRB. The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) continues to play an important role in helping the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) monitor the responsible sale of liquor and cannabis at licensed establishments and government-operated stores. To improve transparency, the LCRB will now automatically email licensees within 14 days after a MAP compliance check at their establishment to inform them that they passed. Only licensees who refuse service to a minor agent will receive these notifications as recognition of their diligence to serve responsibly. Licensees who sell liquor or cannabis to a minor agent will be contacted by their LCRB inspector. Please note that the email notification will not include specific details such as the date and time of the inspection or any information about the LCRB staff involved. This is to help maintain the integrity and credibility of the program. As you know, checking identification (ID) is fundamental to responsible service and preventing liquor or cannabis sales to minors. This practice helps protect your establishment from potential penalties or enforcement action. We encourage you to have clear house policies for checking ID. For example, some businesses check the ID of every customer, while others check only those who appear under 30 years old. Learn more about preventing contraventions. Find the Check ID decal and signs for: If you have any questions about this program, contact LCRB.CandE.Admin@gov.bc.ca . |
Support the BCHF: Hospitality With Heart Launching this June, Hospitality With Heart is a new initiative inviting hospitality and tourism businesses to support the BCHF through a week- or month-long fundraising campaign. Participating is easy—get involved by featuring a special menu item, donating a portion of sales from a glass or bottle, or contributing through a dollar-per-case program. Learn more and explore how you can take part:
www.bchospitalityfoundation.com/hospitality-with-heart |
Partner with ABLE BC: New Associate 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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Career Alert Numbers Cabaret, Vancouver’s #1 LGBTQ+ Nightclub!! General Manager — Numbers Cabaret, Vancouver’s #1 LGBTQ+ Nightclub Location: Davie Village, Vancouver, BC
Position Type: Full-Time, Evenings & Weekends Required
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Performance Bonus About Us Numbers Cabaret is more than just a nightclub — it’s a Vancouver institution. For forty-five years, Numbers has been the city’s #1 LGBTQ2S+ nightclub. With legendary drag shows, theme nights, and always-packed dance floor(s). We’re now looking for a dynamic, people-first, system orientated General Manager, to help take us to the next level. The Role As General Manager, you’ll take the lead in creating unforgettable nights, managing a dedicated team, and curating exciting programming that keeps our guests coming back. You’ll be hands-on, and full of energy — able to handle anything from booking & promoting events on our web site and social media platforms, to resolving conflict with diplomacy and tact. You Are… A natural leader, confident, with proven experience managing hospitality or nightlife venues Understands and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ identities, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all. Honest, reliable, and cool under pressure Capable of managing talent and maintaining a team. Crisis Management and Safety Awareness: Trained in handling emergencies, crowd control, and ensuring safety protocols (including dealing with harassment & intoxication). Have strong communication skills, able to interact effectively with a wide range of personalities. What You’ll Do - Actively manage front-of-house during service
- Uphold high standards of health and safety, and ensure full compliance with liquor regulations
- Oversee venue security and work closely with the security team to maintain a safe environment at all times
- Uphold the Numbers brand by ensuring guests feel safe and welcome, and have a consistently great experience
- Support staff in their roles by ensuring they have the tools, information and guidance to succeed
- Lead by example, and ensure staff are following venue policies and procedures
- Create staff schedules based on business needs, staff availability, training qualifications, and fair rotation of shifts
- Lead the hiring process and select staff with the appropriate skills and experience for their specific roles
- Create and manage events, including drag shows, theme nights, community partnerships and private bookings
- Maintain a schedule of events and DJ talent
- Oversee POS system operations and cash handling
- Manage all cash and finances, including processing bartender cash-outs, distributing tips, paying contractors, and accurately recording and reconciling all incoming and outgoing cash
- Represent the Numbers brand with professionalism, maintaining conduct that reflects the values of the venue both on and off the floor
Why Join Numbers? Because you’re ready to be the face of Vancouver’s top gay nightlife venue, work with an incredible team, and help shape the next era of iconic events. We offer a competitive salary, creative freedom, a supportive owner, and a place where no two nights are ever the same. To Apply:
Send us your resume, a short cover letter, and a brief statement about your vision for advancing LGBTQ+ nightlife and entertainment to: vincent@numbers.ca Numbers Cabaret values diversity and authenticity. We actively encourage applications from members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies who share our commitment to creating inclusive, celebratory spaces. |
Ask an Expert: go2HR Supporting Mental Health in BC Bars & Pubs: How to Boost Psychological Safety in Your Venue Running a bar or pub means long shifts, high energy, and constant customer interaction all of which can take a toll on your staff’s mental well-being. A healthy, supportive environment isn’t just good for your team — it leads to better service, stronger morale, fewer conflicts, and loyal staff who stick around. You may already be putting key practices in place without realizing it. WorkSafeBC’s Psychological Health & Safety Framework is designed to help you build on what you’re doing right and fill in the gaps — all while staying ahead of upcoming regulations. Why It Matters in Hospitality In BC’s hospitality industry, emotional labour is real juggling guest expectations with a fast-paced, often high-pressure atmosphere. This framework offers practical steps to reduce burnout, prevent mental injury, and support your staff in feeling respected, resilient, and ready to perform their best. What the Framework Offers Built around 3 core principles and 5 key risk areas, this approach aligns with national safety standards and prepares you for future policy shifts. It’s a proactive, people-first way to meet your responsibilities and protect your most valuable asset: your team. Need a Hand Getting Started? The go2HR Psychological Health & Safety team is here to support you. Book a complimentary session to get tailored advice, practical tools, and hands-on guidance specific to the bar and pub industry. https://www.go2hr.ca/health-safety/contact-us |
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Read the Spring 2025 Issue of The Quarterly Pour |
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Cannabis Corner Exclusive Offers & Savings for Cannabis Members: Greenline - A BLAZE Company Together with our advocacy partners from Greenline, a BLAZE company — ABLE BC is proud to announce the exclusive offerings and savings on point of sale solutions for our cannabis members! What Does This Mean for ABLE BC Cannabis Members? - POS Solutions for cannabis retailers: Greenline's platform includes point-of-sale, e-commerce, integrated payment processing through BLAZEPAY, and a CMS website builder with BLAZE Sites
- Exclusive Offers & Savings for ABLE BC Members: 20% discount savings to ABLE BC members for BLAZE’s cannabis retail point of sale software, systems, and subscription services: Point of Sale, BLAZE ECOM, and BLAZE Mobile App!
Curious about savings & offers for your cannabis business? Contact bo@ablebc.ca. |
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Out and About with ABLE BC |
Christopher Esnard (Sysco - Business Development Manager) & Jesse Sidhu (Manager of Membership & Events) |
To ensure a smooth transition into ABLE BC's 50th year, our Board of Directors and dedicated staff have been meeting on a weekly basis to plan ahead on industry priorities. Our focus remains strong and responsive on the advocacy front as we prepare for Victoria to engage our government partners. In the midst of all this planning, the ABLE BC Team also enjoyed some moments with fellow members and partners at the Vancouver Magazine 36th Restaurant Awards in Vancouver! |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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