Liquor Industry Update: September 15, 2022
Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Heres’ what you’ll find in today’s update:
Service Update: Resumption of LDB Wholesale Distribution
No Stat Holiday on September 19
Employment Needs survey
Western Financial Group Relaunches Hospitality Insurance Program
Minors as Agents Program (MAP)
SPARK: BC Hotel and Liquor Conference, Presented by BCHA & ABLE BC
Renewal Season is Here!
ABLE BC & go2HR How to Navigate Employee Layoffs Webinar Recording
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Benefit Highlight: Sting Investigations
Celebrating Our Industry!
Join ABLE BC Today!
Find all past updates here.
Service Update: Resumption of LDB Wholesale Distribution
In case you missed our update on Tuesday, please keep reading.
The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) distribution centres and wholesale customer centres have completed all orders placed before 3:00 pm on August 17 and are working overtime to ship orders placed after August 31 now.
This is good news for industry and a great step toward restocking shelves across the province. But we want to remind you that there is a very high volume of orders to ship and it will still be several weeks before we see a resumption of normal service levels.
While LDB works to catch up on shipping orders, delivery windows and ETAs remain unavailable. We understand how frustrating these past few weeks have been and how challenging it is to run your businesses with low inventories and little information about when orders will arrive.
We assure you that the LDB warehouses are doing their best to get products back into businesses. Your flexibility and understanding that deliveries may arrive outside regular delivery windows is greatly appreciated. We ask that you remain polite and professional with LDB and Wholesale Customer Centre (WCC) employees as they navigate current delivery challenges.
The WCC will notify customers once an order has been shipped from the distribution centre. LDB kindly asks that customers do not contact the distribution centres, please direct all inquiries to WCC at wholesalehelp@bcldb.com or 604-775-0681 or 1-888-775-0681.
Non-stocked wholesale products (spec products) are being shipped but will continue to experience delays.
Single bottle picks remain suspended.
The quantity limit of three items per SKU per day (except for beer) remains for all hospitality orders submitted through BC Liquor Stores. We will work with LDB to ensure this limitation can be lifted as soon as BC Liquor Stores have replenished inventory.
Please know that LDB and BC Liquor Stores apologize for this inconvenience and hope to resume normal services as soon as possible. Your patience and understanding is much appreciated.
We continue to meet with LDB frequently to pass along industry needs and feedback and ensure that orders are shipped efficiently and fairly.
Click here to read a memo from LDB.
We will offer further updates as soon as they are available.
LDB Wholesale Operations on September 19
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that this coming Monday, September 19 will be a federal statutory holiday and national day of mourning to mark the Queen’s funeral. The LDB will be joining the rest of the BC Public Service and federal government in honouring this one-time observance.
LDB distribution centres and Wholesale Customer Centres (WCC) will operate as per a stat holiday on Monday, September 19.
The WCC will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
The distribution centres will continue to receive product for pre-booked appointments
The distribution centres will continue to assemble and ship orders with reduced staffing
Click here to read a memo from LDB.
Premier John Horgan has designated September 19 a day of mourning for the Queen’s passing but has not made the day a provincial statutory holiday.
Private-sector businesses are not required to grant staff the day off or pay stat pay.
A ceremonial procession and commemorative service will be held on Monday starting from the BC Parliament Buildings and making its way to Christ Church Cathedral at 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria.
Employment Needs Survey
ABLE BC has been working to find solutions for the current labour crisis facing our industry. In June, we began the application process for a Project Based Labour Market Training (PBLMT) grant to fund a training program for potential hospitality and liquor retail employees.
With assistance from Western Community College (WCC) and Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS), we have designed a training program that covers topics and certificates such as: Hospitality Management, accounting basics, WSET, First Aid, Serving it Right, and more.
If our PBLMT application is successful, the training program will be delivered by WCC with both in person and virtual options for participants. Participants will leave the program highly trained and ready to take on supervisor- or manager-level positions in both LP and LRS businesses.
We are seeking further information from industry to strengthen our application.
Help us understand your labour needs by filling out this survey.
Your participation in this survey is essential in contextualizing the labour shortage our industry is currently dealing with.
Western Financial Group Relaunches Hospitality Insurance Program
Renewal for the beverage division of the Hospitality Insurance Program (HIP) is October 1st, 2022 – October 1st, 2023.
After extensive negotiations and collaboration with insurance partners and member associations, Western Financial Group (WFG) is pleased to provide all program participants with the Protected Self Insurance Structure (PSIP) moving forward. This unique structure affords program participants with an ownership of their program premiums and an ability to influence stability and the costs associated with insurance coverage.
Under the HIP, 35% of program premiums for the beverage division are allocated through to a member-owned “Protected Self-Insurance Fund” used to payout the first portion of claims. The PSIP fund can never be in a deficit and allows for opportunities for return-of-premium when surpluses exist. Previously, the PSIP loss pool generated $2.6 million in returns of premium back to program participants – funds that otherwise would have stayed within the insurance industry.
WFG reminds you to please review all of the insurance amounts and limitations on your Certificate of Insurance. Policy wordings are accessible through www.hipinsurance.ca
WFG is committed to partnering with the hospitality industry to provide creative solutions to ensure industry-leading coverage continues to be afforded under the Program. Policies continue to be tailored to every participating property per their varying insurance needs and requirements. Most importantly, we continue to develop creative and proactive risk management policies and procedures to help members reduce losses and positively impact their Program.
The Hospitality Insurance Program is a value-added membership benefit of ABLE BC. Membership in good standing with ABLE BC is a requirement for participation on the Hospitality Insurance Program.
Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your respective Commercial Insurance Advisor or call WFG toll-free at 1-800-665-8990.
Click here for an overview of the PSIP relaunch.
Click here for the HIP renewal package.
Minors as Agents Program (MAP)
The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is one of the Liquor Control and Regulation Branch’s (LCRB) most effective programs to prevent underage drinking and cannabis use. Given the potentially severe consequences of underage drinking and cannabis use, preventing the sale of liquor and cannabis to minors is one of the LCRB’s key priorities.
The program was started in 2010 and, according to section 78 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, allows minors who are “employed or contracted by a municipal police board, the provincial police force or the general manager to test the compliance of a licensee” to purchase liquor or cannabis. Under MAP, one to three undercover agents, including a minor, will enter a licensed establishment and attempt to purchase liquor in order to test the establishment’s compliance.
MAP does not allow the undercover agent to lie, an important distinction from entrapment. Minor agents work under supervision of inspectors and will answer any questions (such as their age) honestly.
If you sell liquor or cannabis to a minor agent, you have the option to:
admit to the contravention and accept the proposed penalty;
admit to the contravention and dispute the penalty; or
dispute that the contravention occurred.
If you have questions about MAP, please reach out to lcrbliquorpolicy@gov.bc.ca.
ABLE BC has due diligence materials available online for members as well as signage in our online store. If you are interested in these materials, please get in touch with Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication, about becoming an ABLE member. You can reach Ann at 604-688-5560 or ann@ablebc.ca.
We encourage you to review your due diligence policies with your staff regularly and ensure that new employees are properly trained and understand the importance of checking ID. If there is any doubt whether a patron is 19 or over, licensees must take reasonable steps to verify age by checking ID. Licensees must refuse service if they believe that a patron is a minor or attempting to purchase liquor or cannabis for a minor.
ABLE members can reach out to Sting Investigations for due diligence and compliance services.
SPARK: BC’s Hotel and Liquor Conference, Presented by BCHA & ABLE BC
This year, ABLE BC is pleased to partner with the British Columbia Hotel Association to bring the first ever BC Hotel & Liquor Conference.
Created for hoteliers, liquor retailers, publicans, hospitality owners and managers, and liquor industry professionals, this event will bring together BC’s hospitality industry for an array of informative and industry-driven sessions that will SPARK ideas relating to growth, advocacy, labour, and more!
Save the Date!
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
The conference will take place in Vancouver on Granville Island at the Waterfront and Nest Theaters, with a special joint lunch session at Dockside Restaurant and followed by an industry reception.
All industry members are welcome.
Stay tuned for full agenda, registration, and website.
Key Details
SPARK: BC's Hotel & Liquor Conference will take place in Vancouver on Granville Island at the Waterfront and Nest Theaters
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
The event will include targeted industry sessions, a special lunch at Dockside restaurant, networking reception, and much more!
All industry members are welcome!
Stay tuned for full agenda & registration details
Renewal Season is Here!
ABLE BC memberships expired on August 31, 2022. We rely on membership dues to continue our advocacy work, so prompt payment is deeply appreciated.
You can expect to hear from us directly in the coming weeks with information on how to renew your membership.
ABLE BC & go2HR How to Navigate Employee Layoffs Webinar Recording
On August 31, Ginger Brunner and Sarah Moseley of go2HR presented a webinar for ABLE BC members on How to Navigate Employee Layoffs.
The webinar recording is available online to members, after logging into your account. If you are an existing member but haven’t yet set up your account, please reach out to Ann for help signing in.
If you are not a member and would like to view these recordings, you can easily sign up for an ABLE membership here. Contact Ann at 604-688-5560 or ann@ablebc.ca for help with membership.
For more HR resources, ABLE BC members are encouraged to reach out to the go2HR Consultant in their region.
Thompson Okanagan - Ginger Brunner
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains - Cindy Conti
Northern BC - Sarah Best
Kootenay Rockies - Sarah Moseley
Vancouver Island - Peter Charles
Cariboo Chilcotin - Christie Blaquiere
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
TIPS: Training in Prevention & Safety – Online Course for Victoria Licensees
Training in Prevention & Safety (TIPS) is a FREE online course for the Victoria hospitality industry developed by the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) and Good Night Out Vancouver (GNOV). With courses designed for both employers and employees, TIPS provides training around workplace culture, recognizing and responding to incidents, supporting those impacted, and legal requirements.
TIPS is interactive and engaging with scenarios, videos, downloadable resources, and interactive quizzes. This self-guided course is estimated to take 2.5-3 hours.
Click here to learn more.
Click here to register for employer training.
Click here to register for employee training.
Vancouver IVSA Buyer’s Salon NEW DATE October 18, 2022
The Vancouver IVSA Buyer’s Salon is coming up soon! RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca now to sample products from several liquor agents.
When: Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 12:30-4:00 pm
Where: The Vancouver Club, 915 W Hastings Street
Agents will showcase the newest imported wines, spirits & beers. Also look for unique featured imports. Attendance may be restricted to the following: licensee buyers, proprietors, sommeliers, managers, chefs, media, and BCLS product consultants only.
RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca. Your RSVP must include your full name (first and last) and company name or website.
Victoria IVSA Buyer’s Salon October 24, 2022
The Victoria IVSA Buyer’s Salon is coming up soon! RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca now to sample products from several liquor agents.
When: Monday, October 24, 2022, 12:30-4:00 pm
Where: Delta Ocean Pointe, 100 Harbour Road
Agents will showcase the newest imported wines, spirits & beers. Also look for unique featured imports. Attendance may be restricted to the following: licensee buyers, proprietors, sommeliers, managers, chefs, media, and BCLS product consultants only.
RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca. Your RSVP must include your full name (first and last) and company name or website.
BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference March 1-3, 2023
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) are excited to announce the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will return March 1-3, 2023.
The 2023 conference will take place in Prince George and will bring an array of unique industry speakers and topics relating to the next chapter of tourism and hospitality within our province.
Click here to learn more.
Benefit Highlight: Sting Investigations
Whether you run a Cannabis Retail Store, Liquor Retail Store, a pub, night club, restaurant, or hotel, Sting Investigations can help you! Sting Investigations specializes in ID compliance checks and offers a wide range of hospitality services to help ensure your staff are prepared to offer great customer service and follow company due diligence protocols.
ABLE BC members receive 20% off their first service and 10% off all additional services.
Click here to book a consultation with Sting today
Contact Sting Investigations today about any of the following services:
Alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco compliance
Basic security training for door staff
Mystery shops
Responsible service toolbox training
Workplace investigations
Background checks and certified criminal record checks
Accredited investigator training
Security consulting
Click here for more information
Celebrating Our Industry!
Congratulations to the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF)! BCHF raised over $20,000 through tournament sponsorship, silent auction prizes, attendance, and raffle ticket sales at the 2022 Victoria Golf Tournament! The money raised at this event covers the cost of four hospitality workers who find themselves in financial crisis due to a health condition. Thank you to everyone who supported the BCHF 2022 Victoria Golf Tournament!
Vessel Liquor has expanded! Congratulations to the Victoria liquor store and ABLE BC member on their recent upgrades and increased floor space. Cheers to a broader selection of wine, beer, spirits, ciders, and non-alcoholic products!
We want to celebrate you! Is your business hosting a special event or fundraiser? Are you celebrating an anniversary or important milestone? Has someone on your team been promoted or completed a certification? Have you opened a new or renovated location?
Let us know about your special moments, your amazing teams, and the things you’re most proud of. We’ll share your achievements in our newsletter or our social channels.
Contact Ann Brydle, Manager of Membership and Communication, at ann@ablebc.ca or 604-688-5560.
Join ABLE BC Today!
ABLE BC is the leading liquor advocacy organization in the province. We have a proven track record of success fighting for the interests of Liquor Primary and Licensee Retail Store businesses. We are dedicated to helping our industry come out of the pandemic stronger than ever!
We can’t do our work without the support of our members. ABLE is a non-profit organization and we depend on membership fees to continue to lobby and fight for your needs.
ABLE BC members have access to several benefit programs that offer exclusive discounts and are designed to help your business thrive. In addition to our benefit programs, we offer expert advice, regular webinars, the annual Liquor Industry Conference, and many networking opportunities.