Local Government Elections Recap, Occupant Load Changes Webinar, Advocacy Toolkit, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: November 12, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - Local Government Elections Recap
- BC Elections & ABLE BC Advocacy Toolkit
- Federal Budget 2026: Liquor Highlights
- ABLE BC x Thrive Advisors: What Occupant Load Changes Mean for Your Licensed Establishment
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ABLE BC Welcomes Dan Richardson as New Director-at-Large
LDB Wholesale Customer Centre Holiday Hours
October 2026 Labour Insights: Tourism and Hospitality Employment Declines as Fall Slowdown Continues Reminder: Reducing Red Tape: Engagement on Occupant Load Apply for Canada Summer Jobs Funding Wines of BC: Get Your Store Featured on WineBC.com ABLE BC Refreshing Associate Membership & Partners Program ABLE BC Looking for New Publisher Plan Ahead for 2027: Save 20% on BCHA Summit Registration
What you'll find in every newsletter: - Member Spotlight: O'Flannigan's Liquor Store Kelowna
- Cannabis Corner: Advocacy Update - Support for the 1KM Rule
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go2HR: Build Your Leadership Capacity Before the Holiday Rush
- Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Local Government Elections Recap |
ABLE BC and Vancouver Mayor Pete Fry |
The results are in, and communities across British Columbia have elected their local government leaders. Following the October 17 municipal elections, newly elected mayors and councils are preparing to take on their roles and set priorities for the next four years. ABLE BC congratulates Mayor-Elect Pete Fry and the newly elected Vancouver City Council on their election victories. We look forward to engaging with the new council on the issues that matter to BC’s independent liquor businesses and the communities they serve.
We also extend our thanks to outgoing Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver City Council for their work and engagement with local businesses and our industry.
What Happens Next?
Municipal inaugural meetings and swearing-in ceremonies took place across BC between November 2 and 10, meaning newly elected mayors and councils are now officially in office.
As local governments begin establishing their priorities and setting their agendas, this is an important opportunity for independent businesses to build relationships with their newly elected representatives and ensure their voices are heard.
ABLE BC will continue working with local governments across the province to advocate for policies that support independent liquor businesses, strengthen local communities and maintain a fair and sustainable retail environment. |
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BC Elections & ABLE BC Advocacy Toolkit |
Following the provincial election, ABLE BC hosted a post-election town hall for liquor retail store (LRS) members on October 28 to discuss the election results, potential industry impacts and key advocacy priorities.
For members who were unable to attend, or for other private liquor retailers interested in learning more about the discussion and ABLE BC's advocacy work, we encourage you to reach out to our Community Ambassador, Nicole McLaughlin, at membership@ablebc.ca. ABLE BC's Post-Election Advocacy Toolkit for Liquor Retail Stores is available to members upon request from Nicole. The toolkit includes resources to help members connect with their elected representatives and communicate the priorities and challenges facing independent liquor retailers.
ABLE BC members are currently preparing to engage with their MLAs, share their experiences as local business owners and advocate for the following key priorities: -
Keep liquor retail out of grocery and convenience stores in BC to protect the independent liquor retail model.
- Support a 10-year extension of the current liquor retail licence moratorium, which is set to expire in 2032.
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Maintain the 1 km distance requirement between liquor stores to prevent oversaturation and clustering of alcohol retail outlets while supporting public health and safety.
These conversations are an important part of ensuring elected representatives understand the value of independent liquor retailers and the role they play in their communities. |
Get Involved: Connect With Your Elected Representatives
Whether connecting with your newly elected mayor and councillors or preparing to engage with your MLA, now is an important time to introduce yourself, share your perspective as a local business owner and highlight the issues affecting your business and community.
To request a copy of ABLE BC's Post-Election Advocacy Toolkit or learn more about getting involved in our advocacy efforts, contact Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca.
Not yet an ABLE BC member? Membership helps strengthen our collective voice and ensures independent liquor retailers are represented as local and provincial policies are developed. We encourage you to learn more about membership or contact Nicole to learn how to get involved. Together, we can ensure BC’s independent liquor retailers have a strong voice in the decisions that shape our businesses and communities. |
Federal Budget 2026: Liquor Highlights |
On November 5, 2026, the federal government tabled Budget 2026, outlining its priorities for strengthening Canada's economy, addressing affordability and reducing barriers to interprovincial trade.
The budget, announced by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne on October 20, includes several measures relevant to Canada's beverage alcohol industry, including expanded direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales as part of its Building One Canadian Economy initiative. Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Sales
The budget highlights direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales as part of the federal government's efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and improve access to Canadian wine, beer and spirits.
ABLE BC has been actively engaged in this work since the original Memorandum of Understanding was signed in July 2025, including providing input to provincial government partners earlier this year. In July 2026, premiers from nine provinces signed a final agreement to advance interprovincial DTC alcohol sales, with BC committing to implement a system covering all beverage alcohol categories by February 2027.
ABLE BC will continue working with government and industry stakeholders to ensure the perspectives of BC's liquor and hospitality industry are reflected as implementation moves forward. Other Budget 2026 Measures of Interest to the Liquor Industry
While DTC alcohol sales were the most directly relevant trade-related announcement, Budget 2026 also included two additional measures worth noting: -
Wine Sector Support: The federal government proposes $176.9 million over three years, beginning in 2027–28, to renew the Wine Sector Support Program, which provides financial support to licensed Canadian wineries.
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Spirits Licensing Requirements: The budget proposes new financial security requirements for certain excise warehouse licence holders authorized to possess non-duty-paid packaged spirits. The proposed security amounts would be based on monthly excise duty liabilities, with a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $2 million per licence.
Read more: Budget 2026 – Government of Canada |
ABLE BC x Thrive Advisors: What Occupant Load Changes Mean for Your Licensed Establishment |
Your establishment's occupant load and person capacity can have a significant impact on how you operate, serve customers and generate revenue.
Join ABLE BC and Thrive Advisors for an informative webinar exploring potential changes to occupant load and person capacity requirements for BC's licensed hospitality establishments.
We'll look at what these changes could mean for liquor primary and food primary establishments, including restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges and other licensed venues.
The discussion will explore the potential business benefits of capacity changes, including opportunities to improve operational flexibility, reduce costs and support profitability.
Who should attend: Liquor primary and food primary licensees and operators across BC, including bars, pubs, restaurants and lounges. ABLE BC membership is not required. WEBINAR DETAILS - Thursday, November 26, 2026
- 9:00 am-10:00 am PT
- Virtual via Microsoft Teams
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REGISTER HERE
What to expect: A 20-minute presentation from Thrive Advisors, followed by an open Q&A.
We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nicole McLaughlin (Community Ambassador) at membership@ablebc.ca. |
Reminder - Reducing Red Tape: Engagement on Occupant Load Requirements |
ABLE BC has been advocating for ways to reduce red tape and improve licensing processes for our on-premise and liquor primary members. A new provincial review could be a step toward making those processes more efficient.
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is seeking feedback on potential changes to occupant load and person capacity requirements for licensed establishments where liquor is consumed on site, including restaurants, bars, brewpubs and nightclubs.
The discussion is part of an ongoing review by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), which is looking at how local governments establish, apply and enforce occupant loads. One potential outcome is streamlining these processes, which could help reduce duplication and contribute to faster licensing timelines for businesses. This is an area ABLE BC has been advocating on, and we’ll continue to engage with government and stakeholders as the review moves forward.
Have questions or feedback? We want to hear from members. If you’d like to discuss the proposed changes, ask questions or share your feedback, email comms@ablebc.ca. We may also organize a virtual townhall for members depending on interest. Government engagement feedback closes December 31, 2026.
Read the UBCM announcement and discussion details. |
ABLE BC Welcomes Dan Richardson as New Director-at-Large |
ABLE BC is pleased to welcome Dan Richardson, Partner at Dolden Wallace Folick LLP, as a new Director-at-Large on its Board of Directors.
Based in Dolden’s Vancouver office, Dan brings extensive experience in insurance litigation, with a particular focus on representing commercial liquor providers and licensed establishments. His practice includes advising and defending bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and special event organizers in a wide range of claims, including those involving motor vehicle accidents, assaults, forcible ejections and occupiers’ liability. Dan also has experience defending licensed security companies and personnel in claims involving negligence, assault, battery and excessive force, as well as representing individuals facing claims in social host liability cases involving alcohol service. Throughout his career, Dan has appeared before the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia, regulatory tribunals and courts in other provinces.
ABLE BC looks forward to welcoming Dan to the Board and benefiting from his knowledge and expertise in the legal and insurance landscape affecting BC’s independent liquor industry.
Learn more about Dan and his practice. |
ABLE BC Director-at-Large and Dolden Wallace Folick Partner Dan Richardson |
LDB Wholesale Customer Centre Holiday Hours |
To support your business during the busy holiday season, BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) Wholesale Operations would like to advise customers of the following operational updates. Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC) Holiday Hours
The WCC will operate on the following schedule from November 16, 2026, to December 31, 2026: - Holiday hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 24 and December 31: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- December 28 (Boxing Day): 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The WCC will be closed on December 25, 2026, and January 1, 2027. The WCC reminds all customers to build-up inventory early for the upcoming holiday season, as unpredictable winter weather could potentially impact deliveries of holiday shipments. Please ensure orders are placed on time and that all payment methods are available to avoid delivery delays. Additional information regarding potential changes to holiday shipping schedules will be shared directly with impacted customers, once available.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the WCC by emailing wholesalehelp@bcldb.com or calling 604-775-0681 or 1-888-775-0681 (toll free). |
October 2026 Labour Insights: Tourism and Hospitality Employment Declines as Fall Slowdown Continues |
BC’s tourism and hospitality industry experienced a further decline in employment in October, following September’s seasonal slowdown. Employment, labour force participation, full-time employment, and hours worked all decreased, while the unemployment rate improved. Employment trends varied across regions and sectors, reflecting a mixed labour market picture heading into the final months of 2026.
Employment in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry decreased 0.9% to 345,750 workers in October, down from 348,750 in September. The labour force declined 1.7% to 367,500, while the unemployment rate fell from 6.8% to 5.9%. Full-time employment dropped to 62% of the workforce, down from 65% in September, and aggregate weekly hours worked decreased to 9.34 million, compared with 9.76 million in September. Learn more with the go2HR Employment Tracker. |
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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. |
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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 membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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Apply for Canada Summer Jobs Funding |
Planning your summer staffing? Applications are now open for the Canada Summer Jobs 2027 program, which provides wage subsidies to help eligible employers hire youth aged 15 to 30.
Private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada may qualify for funding covering up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage. The program helps offset summer staffing costs while providing valuable work experience for young Canadians. To qualify, employers must also meet the program's other eligibility requirements, including having been in operation for at least two years by December 31, 2026 (with limited exemptions).
Applications close December 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT.
For eligibility details and application instructions, review the Canada Summer Jobs 2027 Applicant Guide. |
Wines of BC: Get Your Store Featured on WineBC.com |
For years, Pour More BC has helped consumers discover restaurants that champion BC wine. This fall, we’re expanding the program to include Top BC Wine Stores.
If your store has a strong BC wine selection, we are here to help you turn that into a competitive advantage. Sign up now to be featured on WineBC.com and in our fall Pour More BC campaign designed to boost BC wine sales. Participating retailers receive free promotion and become part of a province-wide network helping more consumers discover where to buy BC wine.
Benefits for your wine shop: -
A dedicated listing on the new Top BC Wine Stores page coming soon
- Free promotion through paid digital advertising, social media, reels and other marketing initiatives funded by Buy BC
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SEO and GEO visibility helps your store show up in search engines, strengthening your footprint in AI-driven and voice search tools that rely on trusted, authoritative business listings
- Exposure to a wine-engaged audience who are already motivated to buy BC wine
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An ongoing relationship promoting foot-traffic via Pour More BC marketing
- Complimentary access to BC wine education through the Wines of BC Ambassador program to help your team confidently recommend and sell BC wine
- Recognition as a retailer supporting local wineries and grape farmers
- Best of all - it’s completely free to you!
Sign your store up now to be included and help consumers discover where to shop for BC wine. |
ABLE BC Refreshing Associate Membership & Partners Program |
ABLE BC is reviewing its Associate Membership and Partnership program to better serve BC's liquor and hospitality industry and the businesses that support it.
Our goal is to build a stronger network of trusted service providers and industry partners who offer relevant, valuable products and services to liquor retailers and liquor primaries.
As part of this refresh, we're updating our membership tiers and introducing a more defined approval process for Associate Members to help ensure the businesses in our network meet the needs of our members.
We're excited about what's ahead and look forward to sharing the updated offerings soon. Interested in becoming an ABLE BC Associate Member or Partner?
If your business supports BC's cannabis retail industry, contact Nicole McLaughlin, Community Ambassador, at membership@ablebc.ca to learn more. |
ABLE BC Looking for New Publisher |
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Joyce Hayne will be retiring at the end of the year, so after 28 years of publishing The Quarterly Pour, ABLE BC is looking for another person or company to publish the magazine and take over ad sales for their digital media.
The Quarterly Pour is a very well-established trade magazine in BC’s liquor industry and is read by owners and managers of private liquor stores, pubs, and bars.
Digital media includes the bi-weekly ABLE BC Liquor Industry Update and the monthly ABLE BC Cannabis Industry Update. Advertisers can also send out a dedicated eblast. Ad revenue in these newsletters and eblasts has been increasing steadily over the years.
ABLE BC’s website has an average of over 4,000 page views per month and revenue for the site has been growing each year as well.
Interested in learning more about taking over publishing The Quarterly Pour and selling ads in the magazine and digital media?
Contact Joyce Hayne at Joyce@emcmarketing.com or 604-574-4577. |
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Plan Ahead for 2027: Save 20% on BCHA Summit Registration |
As the year winds down and planning for 2027 gets underway, now is a great time to secure your spot at the 2027 BCHA Summit, taking place May 10–11 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
Bringing your team? Group pricing is available, making the Summit a valuable opportunity to invest in professional development, connect with industry peers, and give your emerging leaders a chance to learn from BC's hotel community. Take advantage of 20% Early Bird savings when you register by February 15, 2027. Plan ahead and make the Summit part of your team's priorities for the year ahead. |
Member Spotlight: O'Flannigan's Liquor Store Kelowna |
Conveniently located in downtown Kelowna, O'Flannigan's Liquor Store is your one-stop shop for beer, wine, spirits and all your party essentials. Located right next door to O'Flannigan's Pub, the store offers an extensive selection, competitive pricing and friendly, knowledgeable service.
Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., including holidays, O'Flannigan's makes it easy to pick up everything you need for your next gathering. Shoppers can explore a wide range of wines and spirits, craft beer, coolers, ciders and single-serve beer, along with organic, gluten-free and non-alcoholic options. |
Beyond its impressive beverage selection, O'Flannigan's carries a variety of party essentials, including pop, juice, snacks, ice and more. Customers can also take advantage of monthly specials, chilled product options and gift-wrapping services.
With a commitment to exceptional customer service, convenient hours and a welcoming, animal-friendly environment, O'Flannigan's Liquor Store is a great local stop for Kelowna residents and visitors alike. |
Cannabis Corner: Advocacy Update - Support for the 1KM Rule |
ABLE BC continues to advocate for a consistent 1 km minimum distance between legal cannabis retail stores to help prevent market oversaturation, reduce competition and undercutting between neighbouring businesses, and support the legal cannabis sector in competing with the illicit market.
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is seeking feedback on a provincial proposal that would establish a consistent 1 km distance requirement across BC, shifting authority from local governments to the Province. The proposed rule would align cannabis retail distancing requirements with existing liquor retail rules. ABLE BC encourages cannabis licensees to engage with local government candidates ahead of the upcoming local elections, or newly elected representatives afterward, to share their experiences and highlight the impacts of store clustering. Template letters will also be available to help members communicate their support. Read the full article in ABLE BC’s Cannabis Industry Update for more details, including a link to UBCM’s announcement.
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go2HR on Tap: Build Your Leadership Capacity Before the Holiday Rush |
The holiday season is one of the busiest stretches of the year in tourism and hospitality. Longer shifts, bigger crowds, and new seasonal staff all add pressure, and much of it lands on people leaders.
Supporting your team well starts with having the capacity to do it, and go2HR’s THRIVE: People Leaders Workshop Series is back to help. Led by Beata Chami, an Organizational Psychologist, executive coach, and mediator, the series includes two new 90-minute virtual workshops that can be taken on their own or together as a pair. These free workshops are open to all tourism and hospitality people leaders, and those who attend the full 90 minutes will receive a certificate of completion. Sessions will not be recorded, so be sure to join live. Each session is limited to 30 participants to keep discussion meaningful, so register early to save your spot. Caring for Ourselves: Strengthening Personal Leadership Resilience Friday, November 27, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Learn more and register here.
Caring for Others: Strengthening Supportive Leadership Conversations Thursday, December 10, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Learn more and register here. |
Top: ABLE BC & BC Premier-Designate Lorne Doerkson
Left: ABLE BC Community Ambassador, Nicole McLaughlin & John Clerides (Marquis Wine Cellars)
Right: ABLE BC @ Swirl Around BC Wine Expo by Wine Growers BC |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
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