Election Resources, Reducing Red Tape, Upcoming Events, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: October 15, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry:
BC Provincial Election: Resources for Licensees Final Reminder: ABLE BC Membership Renewal Reducing Red Tape: Engagement on Occupant Load Requirements - BRCCC Public Consultation: EPR Plan
Connect Your Store with BC's Hospitality Industry -
Spirit of Hospitality Lottery Has Returned
- BCHA Fast Track Your Future
2026 Small Business Week Summit: Free Virtual Sessions
What you'll find in every newsletter: - Member Spotlight: Irish Times Pub
- Cannabis Corner: Advocacy Update - Support for the 1KM Rule
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go2HR on Tap: Your Team Worked Hard All Summer, Now What?
- Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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BC Provincial Election: Resources for Licensees |
With the upcoming BC Provincial Election, ABLE BC is keeping members informed about key dates, resources, and opportunities to engage ahead of voting day.
Thank you to everyone who joined our elections session earlier this week! We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about the issues affecting BC’s liquor and hospitality industry.
Key election dates: - October 3, 2026: Candidate nominations close
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October 14, 2026: BC Leadership Debate (watch here)
- October 16–21, 2026: Advance voting
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October 18, 2026: Deadline to request a vote-by-mail package online or by phone
- October 24, 2026: Final Voting Day
- November 18, 2026: Government Returns Day
ABLE BC has an election toolkit available to help licensees stay informed and engaged throughout the election period. To request a copy, please contact Nicole at membership@ablebc.ca.
We encourage all licensees to connect with both their local government and provincial candidates to share perspectives on the issues impacting their businesses and communities. Engaging with candidates is an important opportunity to help ensure the needs of BC’s liquor and hospitality industry are part of the conversation. For official election information, including voting options and important dates, visit Elections BC. |
ABLE BC Liquor Election Toolkit One-Pager |
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Final Reminder: ABLE BC Membership Renewal |
ABLE BC memberships expired on August 31, 2026. If you haven’t yet renewed, you can still reactivate your membership today.
Your membership directly supports the advocacy work that ensures BC’s hospitality and private liquor retail sector has a strong, united voice with government.
Membership dues enable ABLE BC to advocate on behalf of licensees, build relationships with decision-makers, monitor emerging issues, and ensure the liquor industry is represented alongside other well-established industries across British Columbia. By renewing, you’re helping strengthen our industry’s collective voice and supporting the ongoing work that protects and advances the interests of BC’s liquor sector.
Renewal also restores your access to valuable member programs, resources, and benefits, including the ABLE BC Hospitality Insurance Program featured below. Without an active membership, you may no longer be eligible to access these exclusive benefits and services.
It’s not too late to renew. Log in to the Member Portal and follow the renewal instructions on your dashboard. Questions or need assistance?
Contact Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca for help accessing your account or completing your renewal. |
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 have a copy of the discussion paper available and 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. |
BRCCC Public Consultation: EPR Plan |
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Brewers’ Recycled Container Collection Council (BRCCC) is providing public consultation for its combined Schedule 1 and 5 EPR plan which can be accessed here during the period starting October 2, 2026 to November 16, 2026 (a total of 46 days). This notice is posted of BRCCC’s website here: https://envirobeerbc.ca/reports-links/.
BRCCC is offering webinars about the combined plan on the following dates (all times in Pacific):
Please submit comments and questions to stewardship@BDL.ca by Monday, November 16, 2026. |
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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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Connect Your Store with BC's Hospitality Industry |
Join the BCRFA Private Liquor Directory as a Founding Retailer.
Licensee-to-licensee sales are creating new opportunities for BC restaurants, bars, and pubs to access specialty products, increase purchasing flexibility and build new relationships with private liquor retailers.
BCRFA, in partnership with ABLE BC, is helping make those connections happen. Become a Founding Retailer
For an exclusive ABLE BC member rate of $250, participating private liquor stores will receive five months of visibility through BCRFA and be featured in the new Private Liquor Directory - connecting your business with more than 5,000 hospitality operators across BC.
Learn more and sign-up here. |
Spirit of Hospitality Lottery Has Returned |
The Spirit of Hospitality Lottery is back for its 8th year, and TIABC is joining in celebrating the BC Hospitality Foundation’s 20th anniversary with 20 prizes for 20 years, including three early bird draws. Launched last week and running through November 4, this year’s lottery features more than $35,000 in prizes, including luxury getaways, a Rocky Mountaineer rail tour, golf experiences and more. Every ticket purchased helps support the Foundation’s important work across British Columbia. |
BCHA Fast Track Your Future |
We’re excited to share that a new season of Fast Track Your Future is here! New this year:
BCHA has created a special Partner Association member rate, making it easier for our members to access practical, industry-led professional development.
The 2026/27 season features 10 series covering leadership, financial skills, AI, human resources, communications, operations, and guest experience.
2026/27 Series Lineup -
Hospitality Financial Leadership (Level 2): Sept 16–Oct 28, 2026 | David Lund, The Hotel Financial Coach
- Leadership for Hospitality Professionals: Oct 6–Nov 10, 2026 | Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
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AI & Automation in Action — sponsored by Mews: Oct 22–Nov 26, 2026 | Keith Daser & Jason Tate, Deliver Digital Inc.
- Conflict Resolution & Workplace Communication — sponsored by Innfocus Photography: Nov 4–Dec 16, 2026 | Caroline Bagnall, Connect Hospitality Strategies Inc.
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Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality — sponsored by VVS Global: Jan 20–Feb 24, 2027 | go2HR
- Communications & Media Relations for Hospitality: Jan 26–Mar 2, 2027 | Larissa Dundon, Founder, The Tea Communications
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Housekeeping Leadership & Operational Excellence — sponsored by Ecolab: Mar 3–Apr 7, 2027 | David McBean, Hotel Industry Leader & GM
- Managing Profitable Food & Beverage Operations: Mar 9–Apr 13, 2027 | Caroline Bagnall, Connect Hospitality Strategies Inc.
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Advanced Leadership for Hospitality Professionals (Level 2): Apr 14–May 26, 2027 | Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
- Human-Centered Hospitality: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences: Apr 20–Jun 1, 2027 | Sarah Webb & Daintry Van Cleave, Hotel Industry Leaders
Register for Fast Track Your Future. |
2026 Small Business Week Summit: Free Virtual Sessions |
Small Business Week 2026 takes place from October 19 to October 25 and the BC Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses to participate in the 2026 Small Business Week Summit, featuring practical insights and expert advice to help B.C. businesses navigate today's economic challenges.
With ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions impacting supply chains, costs and customer relationships, this year's Summit focuses on building resilience, protecting profit margins and exploring new market opportunities.
Registration is free, with five one-hour virtual sessions. Times: From 12:00 to 1:00 PM PT
Participants can attend individual sessions or all five. Learn more and REGISTER HERE. |
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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. |
Member Spotlight: Irish Times Pub |
A longtime ABLE BC member, Irish Times Pub has been welcoming guests to downtown Victoria since 2004, bringing Irish hospitality, hearty food and live music together under one historic roof.
Recognized as Best Pub in North America in 2017 and Best Irish Entertainment Venue in 2018, Irish Times celebrates Irish culture through its philosophy of food for the body, drink for the spirit, and music for the soul. |
The pub is housed in a historic building originally built in 1894 as the Bank of Montreal, designed by renowned architect Sir Francis Rattenbury. Today, its rich dark wood, cozy fireplaces, Victorian-etched glass and gold chandeliers create a warm, inviting atmosphere steeped in character and history.
The menu brings the traditions of Ireland to the table, with classics like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and the famous Irish stew, alongside pub favourites including the bacon and brie burger, crispy cauliflower wings and creamy seafood chowder. |
Behind the bar, guests can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, one of Victoria’s best Irish coffees, more than 40 taps featuring local craft brews and international favourites, and what the pub describes as Canada’s largest selection of Irish whiskeys. Music is at the heart of the Irish Times experience, with live entertainment seven nights a week. From Celtic music and blues to classic rock, there’s something for everyone, including traditional Celtic performances on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Come for the Guinness, stay for the craic! |
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: Your Team Worked Hard All Summer, Now What? |
Summer pushed BC's tourism and hospitality industry hard this year with full patios, big events, and back-to-back shifts. As things settle down, burnout often surfaces, and leaders have a responsibility to help their teams recover.
Know what to look for. Withdrawal, more mistakes than usual, or a noticeable dip in mood can all point to burnout. go2HR's Fatigue & Burnout Assessment Checklist for Supervisors can help you spot it early and know how to respond. Make check-ins part of the routine. Asking someone how they're really doing, and actually listening, goes a long way. Debriefing as a team after a tough shift can also help everyone reset before they head home. Stay flexible when you can. A temporary adjustment to hours or workload tells staff their wellbeing isn't an afterthought. Get free PH&S support from go2HR. go2HR's free 30-minute Psychological Health and Safety mini sessions cover topics like seasonal burnout, psychological safety, and managing the seasonal rush, built specifically for tourism and hospitality employers. Book Your Free PH&S Mini Session |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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