Last Chance for Industry Reception Tickets, Tariff Response, Fuel Excise Tax Suspension, and More ----------------------------------------------- |
|
|
|
Liquor Industry Update: September 17, 2026 |
|
|
|
Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: -
Member Spotlight: Sailor Hagar's Pub
- Cannabis Corner: Cannabis Sales at Events
- go2HR on Tap: Support Your Team this September
-
Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
|
|
| |
|
Last Chance for Tickets! ABLE BC Industry Reception on Monday |
Last call for tickets! Registration closes on Sunday at 5:00 pm PST.
Join us on Monday, September 21, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Donnellan’s Irish Pub in Vancouver for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration with BC’s liquor, hospitality, and cannabis industries.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE.
We’re pleased to welcome Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham, along with senior officials from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Guests will have the opportunity to connect with ABLE BC’s Board of Directors, committee members, and fellow industry professionals, while hearing more about our recent advocacy achievements and priorities ahead.
The evening will include appetizers, drinks, live music, and great conversation. Complimentary Tickets for ABLE BC Members Current ABLE BC members in good standing can attend the reception complimentary (2 tickets per organization) using the promotional code sent by email. If you haven’t received your code, or if your membership is due for renewal or has recently lapsed, there’s still time to renew or join ABLE BC and access this member benefit.
Renew your membership or become a member here, or contact ABLE BC Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca for assistance. We hope you’ll join us on Monday — we look forward to seeing you there! Get your ticket here. |
|
|
|
Has Your ABLE BC Membership Expired? |
ABLE BC Community Ambassador Nicole McLaughlin |
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. |
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. |
Canada Investment Summit: New Productivity Mega Deduction |
|
|
The federal government has announced a proposed Productivity Mega Deduction that would allow businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of a much broader range of eligible capital investments in the year they become available for use. Currently, many business investments are deducted over several years through the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) system. The proposed measure would make approximately two-thirds of investment in capital assets eligible for immediate expensing, up from about 15 per cent under existing measures. What could this mean for liquor businesses?
For liquor retailers, manufacturers, and other liquor businesses planning investments in equipment, technology or other eligible capital assets, the change could mean receiving the associated tax deduction sooner.
Businesses considering store equipment, technology upgrades, or other capital investments should review their plans with their accountant to determine whether the purchases qualify and how timing could affect their tax position.
The government is proposing that the measure apply to most eligible depreciable property acquired on or after September 15, 2026. Certain assets, including some buildings, vehicles and other specified property, are excluded.
What businesses should do now If you are planning a significant capital purchase: - Review upcoming equipment and technology investments.
-
Confirm whether the specific asset qualifies for immediate expensing.
- Discuss the timing of purchases with your accountant.
- Keep records of invoices, acquisition dates and when assets are put into use.
The Productivity Mega Deduction is proposed legislation and is not yet finalized, so businesses should confirm the final rules once legislation is introduced and passed.
This article is for general information only and is not tax or financial advice. Resources |
|
|
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 membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
|
|
|
Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Suspension |
The federal government has announced that the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax will be extended until January 31, 2027.
The extension is intended to provide some relief to Canadians and businesses as fuel and other operating costs continue to put pressure on household and business budgets.
For businesses, lower fuel costs can help reduce some of the expenses associated with transportation, deliveries and supply chains. Fuel prices can also contribute to higher supplier costs and fuel surcharges, which can ultimately increase the cost of goods and services.
For consumers, the continued suspension means some savings at the gas pump, providing modest relief from household transportation costs at a time when affordability remains a concern.
The extension comes as businesses across Canada continue to navigate higher operating costs, changing consumer spending and broader economic uncertainty. For liquor businesses in particular, transportation and distribution costs can have an impact throughout the supply chain, from getting products to stores to managing day-to-day operations. The federal fuel excise tax suspension will now remain in place until January 31, 2027. |
Regional Tariff Response Initiative in BC |
BC businesses affected by tariffs and ongoing global trade pressures may be eligible for financial support through the federal government’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Delivered in British Columbia by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the initiative is designed to help businesses manage the impacts of tariffs, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets and build greater resilience in response to changing trade conditions. While the program may be particularly relevant to producers, manufacturers and importers, other businesses and organizations affected by tariff-related pressures may also benefit.
What support is available? The RTRI provides several forms of support, including: -
Up to $2 million to help eligible businesses address liquidity and cash-flow pressures resulting from tariffs.
- Up to $1 million for projects that help businesses adapt their operations, develop new products or services, or respond to changing market conditions.
-
Additional support for larger projects, including funding that may be repayable.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in adapting, growing or expanding into new markets may also qualify for assistance.
The initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s broader tariff response plan, with Canada’s regional development agencies delivering a combined $3.45 billion in support across the country.
Information session on September 21 PacifiCan is hosting an online information session on September 21, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT to provide more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, including available support and eligibility. The session will be held in English and recorded.
[Register for the September 21 information session]
Businesses and organizations interested in the program can also review the Government of Canada’s information on eligibility, available support and how to apply. Applications are currently being accepted. |
International Recruitment: BCHA is Heading to the Destination Canada Mobility Forum |
BCHA will once again participate in the Destination Canada Mobility Forum, connecting with French-speaking and bilingual candidates interested in hospitality careers in British Columbia. This year, events will take place in Brussels, France and Tunisia in December 2026, with the goal of supporting recruitment for the summer 2027 season. With recruitment continuing to be a challenge for many hotels, BCHA will represent participating properties at the Forum, allowing members to explore international recruitment without attending themselves.
For $2,000 per hotel, BCHA will: - Promote current and anticipated job opportunities
- Meet with candidates and conduct initial interviews
-
Identify potential candidates and provide resumes and interview notes
- Share guidance on next steps following the Forum
Candidates may have experience in housekeeping, culinary, food & beverage, front office, maintenance and supervisory roles.
The Francophone Mobility Program is LMIA-exempt, with employer-specific work permits issued for up to two years, providing an opportunity to build a longer-term workforce.
The cost is $2,000 per hotel, with a commitment deadline of September 30, 2026.
Learn more about the Destination Canada Mobility Forum or contact shawna@bcha.com to learn more or express your interest. |
go2HR Delivers August Labour Highlights |
BC’s tourism and hospitality workforce continued to grow in August, with increases in both employment and overall labour force participation. However, growth varied across sectors and regions. Despite the overall employment gains, the unemployment rate rose slightly. August Highlights include: - Employment increased by 1.1 percent to 362,250 in August.
-
The unemployment rate increased from 4.4 percent to 4.6 percent.
- Employment increased in the Cariboo, Lower Mainland, and Thompson Okanagan, while the Kootenay, Northern BC, and Vancouver Island regions recorded a decline.
-
Employment increased in Food and Beverage, Recreation and Entertainment, while Accommodation, Transportation and Travel recorded declines.
For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, VISIT HERE. |
|
|
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: Sailor Hagar's Pub |
Located on Vancouver’s North Shore, Sailor Hagar’s Pub offers great views of Vancouver Harbour and the city skyline alongside a rotating selection of craft beers and classic pub fare. Beer lovers can check out the pub’s rotating taps and discover new craft beer selections, while Happy Hour runs Monday from 8 p.m. to close and Tuesday through Sunday from 2-6 p.m.
There’s also plenty happening throughout the week, including weekend karaoke, themed parties each month, and special events like Shipyard Shenanigans. |
Sailor Hagar’s is also the only local pub on the North Shore open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a late-night destination for those looking to keep the evening going.
With harbour views, rotating craft beer, food, entertainment and regular events, Sailor Hagar’s Pub has plenty to offer North Shore locals and visitors alike. |
Cannabis Corner: Cannabis Sales at Events - Insights from Craft Greenery |
Photo Credit: Public Disco |
As interest in cannabis at public-facing events continues to grow, Craft Greenery co-owner and ABLE BC Cannabis Committee Member Dennis Park says the response from attendees has been clear: the public is ready.
Craft Greenery has participated in a number of public and private events this summer, including events with Public Disco, where attendees have shown strong interest in the ability to purchase cannabis through ecommerce and delivery. Dennis sees opportunities for cannabis businesses to create new experiences for event-goers while supporting event organizers and surrounding businesses.
However, current provincial regulations do not permit licensed cannabis retailers to operate on-site retail booths or pop-up shops at events. While licensed retailers can deliver cannabis to event sites, Dennis believes a more seamless, compliant framework could create greater opportunities for both businesses and consumers. ABLE BC is advocating for that pathway. Since last summer, ABLE BC has been engaging with the LCRB and event organizers to explore potential policy changes that would allow cannabis retailers and producers to participate more meaningfully in BC’s events sector, while maintaining a focus on public safety and compliance. For cannabis businesses interested in this space, Dennis’s advice is to start building relationships with event organizers now: “Build trust.”
Read the full article to learn more about Craft Greenery’s experience, current regulations, and ABLE BC’s advocacy work around cannabis sales at events. |
go2HR on Tap: Support Your Team this September
|
Make Time for Your Team This September
September can look different across BC's tourism and hospitality industry. For some employers, the busy summer season is winding down. For others, a new busy period is just getting started. Either way, it's a good time to pause and check in with your team.
go2HR is offering free, practical 30-minute Psychological Health and Safety mini sessions designed specifically for tourism and hospitality employers.
Choose the topic that best fits your team: - Tackling Seasonal Burnout - recognize early signs and support your team during demanding periods
-
Psychological Safety - help workers feel comfortable raising concerns and speaking up
- Supporting Workers Through the Seasonal Rush - help your team manage shifting demands and pressure
The sessions are free, virtual, and designed to fit into a busy schedule. A small investment of time can make a big difference for your team.
Book Your Free PH&S Mini Session |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events: |
|
| |
