BCGEU Strike Impact Survey, More DD Products, Vancouver 0% Tax Increase and More! ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update:
October 16, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - Update on BCGEU Strike
- Industry-Wide Survey: Impacts of BCGEU Strike
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More Products Now Available on Direct Delivery
- ABLE BC Messaging - Media & MLAs: Industry Speaks Up
- BDL Support for Liquor Stores During BCGEU Labour Disruption
- City of Vancouver: Zero Percent Tax Increase Motion
- September Labour Market: Tourism and Hospitality
- BC Hospitality Foundation Spirit of Hospitality
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep your businesses operating and your teams supported during this challenging period. We know this strike has placed significant strain on small businesses across the province, disrupting supply chains and forcing difficult decisions.
Since our last update on October 14: -
Earlier today, the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) announced expanded job action, with more than 370 additional members joining picket lines across B.C.
- This brings the total to nearly 25,000 workers on strike and over 470 active picket lines province-wide.
- While the union and provincial government returned to the bargaining table on September 29, no new agreement has yet been reached.
ABLE BC continues to advocate on your behalf to ensure the impacts on small businesses are front and centre in conversations with government, media, and industry partners. Liquor Industry Disruptions
The ongoing strike is not just affecting product supply - it’s disrupting business operations and growth across the sector: -
Licensing Delays for New Businesses: According to reporting by Global News, a North Vancouver brewery - Bridge Brewing Company - has been unable to open due to liquor inspectors being off the job. Without inspections, the brewery cannot obtain its liquor license, preventing it from serving alcohol. The BC Craft Brewers Guild has stated the strike has already disrupted supply lines and is now halting new openings.
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Event Cancellations: On October 9, Vancouver Sun reported the first event cancellation linked to the strike. Juggler Haus Oktoberfest was cancelled due to halted liquor distribution.
- Regulatory Delays: the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) is now impacted by strike action, leading to delays in key approvals:
Lottery retailer renewals: processed to the extent possible, depending on available resources COO’s, new installs, and contract manager changes: temporarily paused
In this newsletter you will find: - Industry-Wide Survey (Liquor + Cannabis)
- More Products Now Available on Direct Delivery
- ABLE BC Messaging: Media & MLAs
If you have any questions or need assistance with issues stemming from the strike, please reach out directly to Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca. |
Industry-Wide Survey: Impacts of BCGEU Strike |
In collaboration with our industry partners and other key stakeholders across the liquor and cannabis supply chain, ABLE BC is encouraging members and operators to share their feedback through a quick, 5-minute Industry-Wide Impact Survey on the effects of the BCGEU strike.
Your input is essential. By participating, you’ll help strengthen a united, sector-wide effort to provide clear data and demonstrate the collective impacts of the strike on our industry. Survey closes on October 18, 2025. |
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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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More Products Now Available on Direct Delivery |
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As ABLE BC emphasized in our October 8 strike update, industry is now seeing more products being made available on direct delivery channels for both liquor and cannabis. ABLE BC's Bo Chen commented:
"We're now seeing more efforts by licensees and producers to invest their focus into select products that are allowed on the direct delivery channels for both liquor and cannabis... I anticipate to see more options and offerings to become available soon as direct delivery producers continues to pivot and invest in that channel..."
ABLE BC is actively collaborating with our industry partners to compile existing lists of breweries, distilleries, and cannabis producers that are able to ship directly to licensees. Our aim is to help members navigate supply options during these times more easily and ensure that support for local brands in your communities are highlighted as well. The best way to minimize potential disruptions is to plan ahead.
For Liquor: -
Craft Brewers: browse over 200 BC Craft Brewers Guild members and sort by city/community. Many currently offer direct delivery to Licensee Retail Stores (LRS) and licensees throughout the province for a selection of their products. Contact breweries directly to learn more about available products and delivery options.
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ABLE BC Messaging - Media & MLAs: Industry Speaks Up |
ABLE BC is actively advocating on your behalf during the ongoing BCGEU strike. Our team has been working with media, government, and industry partners to highlight the serious impacts of distribution centre closures on small businesses and to push for fair, timely solutions.
Letter for MLAs: United Liquor Industry Voice
If your establishment is impacted by the BEGEU strikes, ABLE BC has prepared collective messaging for MLAs. Please reach out directly to Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca) for a copy. Industry Speaks Up in the Media Over the past several weeks, ABLE BC and our members have been actively engaging with media to ensure your concerns remain front and centre in the public conversation. New This Update: -
Global News: BCGEU strike - Restaurant wishes they could purchase alcohol from private store next door
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CBC News: Ongoing BCGEU strike impacting hospitality industry
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City News: BCGEU strike approaches its seventh week
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Global News: Uncertainty looms as talks resume between BCGEU & the province this week
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City News: Liquor store employees join BCGEU picket lines
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CBC BC: 60% of this B.C. cannabis store's supply chain cut off by BCGEU strike
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Global News: BCGEU strike could lead to liquor supply shortages
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Global News: Strike expands to cannabis and liquor warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: Restaurants brace for 'widespread shortages' as BCGEU strike expands to liquor distribution warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: 'It's a mess for everybody': B.C. cannabis retailers on edge as strike hits warehouses.
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Vancouver Sun: B.C. public-sector workers expand strike to liquor, cannabis warehouses
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AM 1150: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
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MyNelsonNow: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
You can explore our running list of media coverage to stay up to date on how the industry’s voice is being shared. For media requests, please contact Bo (bo@ablebc.ca). |
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BDL Support for Liquor Stores During BCGEU Labour Disruption |
BDL shared the following update to all Lower Mainland LRS stores on BDL support for LRS stores during BCGEU labour disruption: Dear Valued Customer, As you may be aware, the current BCGEU labour disruption has resulted in the closure of GLS stores across British Columbia. This situation is expected to place increased demand on Licensee Retail Stores (LRS).
BDL remains committed to supporting our retail partners during this time to help ensure adequate inventory levels of our products are maintained to meet elevated consumer demand. Should you require emergency or additional product replenishments, please contact the BDL Customer Experience Centre at 1-800-661-2337 or email bdl@bdl.ca. Our team will coordinate directly with Operations to prioritize and facilitate these requests. The 48-hour lead time for delivery will continue to apply and standard payment terms remain in effect. We appreciate your continued partnership and cooperation as we work collaboratively to maintain consistent product availability across the market.
BDL's B4B ordering platform has a full product catalogue including real time inventory levels, but the attached excel sheet will give you an idea of their most recent active SKU list. New SKUs will be communicated by the brewers directly or will be highlighted in B4B when they launch.
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City of Vancouver: Zero Percent Tax Increase Motion |
Last week, Vancouver City Council approved a motion by Mayor Ken Sim on to direct staff to prepare a zero per cent property tax increase in the next budget. ABLE BC's Bo Chen comments:
"This is welcomed news. The 0% increase in property tax will help provide Vancouverites and the small business community, a confident financial outlook and stability during uncertain times."
Global News reports, Sim’s motion directs staff to find savings, while prioritizing core city services and maintaining community grants, library and community centre services. However, delivering a zero per cent increase would require cutting about $100 million from the city’s operating budget.
For more information, please refer to the press release. |
September Labour Market: Tourism and Hospitality |
BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry saw a slight employment dip in September, signaling potential headwinds for the sector. Employment fell 0.2 percent month-over-month to 334,750 jobs - just 5,500 above September 2019 levels, but the gap is narrowing.
While the labour force grew 1.5 percent to 348,500, the unemployment rate rose from 2.3 to 3.9 percent, showing job creation isn’t keeping pace with demand. These trends - rising unemployment, limited sector gains, and uneven regional performance - suggest the recovery may be stalling rather than strengthening. Key Highlights - Employment declined by 0.2 percent to 334,750, holding slightly above September 2019 levels.
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The labour force increased by 1.5 percent to 348,500, suggesting renewed interest or a need to re-enter the sector.
- The unemployment rate rose from 2.3 percent in August to 3.9 percent in September, despite the labour force growth.
Regional Trends - Employment increased in the Lower Mainland and remained steady in Northern BC.
- Declines were recorded in Cariboo, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island.
- Only the Lower Mainland and Kootenay regions reported employment above pre-pandemic levels. All other regions remained below their September 2019 benchmarks.
Sector Performance - Recreation and Entertainment posted modest job gains in September.
- Accommodation and Transportation and Travel sectors experienced declines.
- Food and Beverage employment remained largely unchanged.
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Accommodation and Recreation and Entertainment are the only sectors above pre-pandemic employment levels.
- Full-time employment declined to 62 percent, down from 65 percent in August, indicating a shift toward part-time or seasonal work.
Visit the go2HR Employment Tracker for more information. |
BC Hospitality Foundation Spirit of Hospitality |
ABLE BC's Charity of Choice, the BC Hospitality Foundation puts on The Spirit of Hospitality Lottery each year. It's back - and it's bigger than ever! This year it’s an all-Canadian lottery to raise $65,000 in support of hospitality workers.
What’s in store? - 3 Early Bird Draws kicking off September 29
- 14 Grand Prizes up for grabs, including unforgettable experiences such as a Rocky Mountaineer rail tour and a Big White ski vacation
Tickets start at just $5, but don’t wait - sales close on October 30, with the final draw on October 31.
Secure your tickets today and get in on your chance to win incredible Canadian experiences—all while supporting a great cause.
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Cannabis Corner: BC Minister of Agriculture and Cannabis - ABLE BC Advocacy Update |
Despite escalating strike disruptions to our industry's supply chain, ABLE BC has remained committed to on-going advocacy work with Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Lana Popham to ensure that efforts in building essential cannabis policies will continue on.
These past few weeks, ABLE BC met with Minister Lana Popham to focus on the priorities for our sector. ABLE BC's Cannabis Committee and Industry Allies took the opportunity to raise awareness of industry's history, current situation, and future outlook for viability and modernization.
ABLE BC's Bo Chen commented:
"It was a pleasure to host Minister Popham and her team for a craft cannabis facility tour. I appreciate the Minister for making time during her busy wineries tour schedule to engage our industry and start the progress towards building a collaborative relationship. The engagements have been very productive, I personally enjoyed how passionate the Minister was in learning more about our industry as well as connecting her directly with our members from different regions." This progress reflects the result of ongoing, dedicated advocacy by ABLE BC and the strong support of our Cannabis Members and industry allies. |
go2HR on Tap: Building Stronger, Safer Workplaces |
Worker Perspectives on Safety: New Insights go2HR recently surveyed Tourism and Hospitality workers to understand how safe they feel at work. The results show that while many are confident in basic safety protocols, concerns remain around stress, fatigue, communication, and having a voice on safety committees. The findings shine a light on what workers may not always share directly and provide employers with practical ways to respond.
Download and share the report to keep building stronger workforces and safer workplaces in BC's Tourism & Hospitality industry! |
Ask an Expert: Super HR Changes to CPP Contributions and Benefits in 2025 |
Thank you to our partners at Super HR for providing this information.
We want to share an important update from the Government of Canada about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). As of this year, CPP gives Canadians stronger retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. With these changes, your team might have questions.
What you should know: - Higher future benefits: The CPP will increase the portion of retirement earnings it replaces, from 25% to 33%. This covers contributions made under the new rules.
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New contribution rules: In 2025, CPP introduces a second earnings ceiling. If someone earns more than $71,300, CPP contributions will now apply to income up to $81,200. This change means higher contributions for high earners, leading to bigger future benefits.
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Disability and survivor pensions: These benefits will increase for everyone contributing under the enhanced plan.
- More support for families:
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Children of disabled or deceased contributors are covered up to age 24 if they are part-time students.
- Estates get an extra $2,500 death benefit if there is no surviving spouse.
- Some children’s benefits will be extended when a disabled parent turns 65.
What you need to do: - Employees do not need to act. Payroll deductions adjust automatically.
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Business owners and payroll teams must update payroll systems to reflect both income ceilings. Check that deductions and reporting are accurate under the new rules.
These changes bring a stronger safety net for retirement and unexpected events. Contributions might go up slightly for higher earners, but the goal is to give your team more support from CPP in the long run.
Helpful Resources:
Support Your Business and Team Through the Liquor Strike
Get clarity now. Book a call with the Super HR team to make confident, compliant staffing decisions and lead your team through this disruption.
You can also reach Pierre Bourbonnais directly at (604) 283-3503 or pierre@superhrcanada.com. |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
Top Left: Ignacio, Robert, & Bo on media day in Commercial Drive
Top Right: ABLE BC with Minister Lana Popham
Bottom Left: Bo with Blake @ Smyle Brands
Bottom Right: Bo with Noel & Adam @ Please Beverage |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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