Liquor Industry Update --------------------------------------------------------
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Liquor Industry Update:
March 21, 2024
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry:
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A Message from ABLE BC Executive Director Jeff Guignard
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ABLE BC's Okanagan Liquor Industry Meetings
- ABLE BC Joins Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy
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Wildfire Season Preparation Tips
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BC’s Securing Small Business Rebate Program Updated
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Hospitality Industry Workplace Mental Health Survey
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2024 North American ID Checking Guides
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Unlock the Power of Dual Membership with the BCHA
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Advocacy Win! Federal Government Caps Excise Tax Increase at 2% for Two More Years
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IVSA is Coming to Victoria & Kelowna
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The BCHA Summit is Coming to Whistler on May 1 & 2!
What you'll find in every newsletter:
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A Message from ABLE BC Executive Director Jeff Guignard
This past St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I enjoyed my first sunny patio pint of the year at a member’s pub in Vancouver. While the celebratory atmosphere was a bit muted compared to previous years, it was encouraging to see customers having fun and spending money. It was also fun discussing industry issues with a long-standing ABLE BC member.
We talked a lot about the impact of the Employer Health Tax exemption threshold being increased from $500,000 to $1 million. Since their business will now be below the exemption threshold, they estimated it would save up to $15,000 per year. “The first good news I’ve had in a while,” they said, while noting that every other business cost is still going up.
While I wish we had secured this win sooner, it took years of dedicated advocacy from a coalition of BC business associations, including ABLE BC, the BC Hotel Association, the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and dozens more. Small businesses like yours are paying more than your fair share of taxes right now, so we’re grateful that our government partners took concrete action to support you during this time of inflationary increases.
Speaking of inflation, I am also grateful that the federal government capped a planned 4.7 per cent increase in alcohol excise taxes at two per cent for the next two years. Securing this win took months of advocacy with partners such as Beer Canada and the BC Craft Brewers Guild.
Many of you will no doubt recall we worked with industry partners last year to secure a similar one-year cap on the tax, which last year was set to go up by 6.4 per cent.
Excise taxes are levied on liquor manufacturers at a fixed rate per litre of wine, beer, and spirits, and are a normal part of the federal taxation system. However, things changed in 2017 when the federal government linked excise taxes to inflation, meaning it now increases every year automatically—like an escalator that keeps climbing and never reaches the top.
While we’ve won a temporary reprieve from these increases, many are asking: why was this tax rate indexed to inflation in the first place? What kind of tax increases automatically every year without even a Parliamentary vote? If we keep this up, excise taxes will eventually reach 100 per cent. That simply makes no sense.
Rest assured, we’ll be spending the next two years advocating with our federal partners to reverse this non-sensical tax policy and to stop the alcohol escalator tax once and for all.
Congratulations to ABLE BC’s Ann Brydle! I'm delighted to let you know about some exciting news in the ABLE BC office. As an employer, one of my favourite duties is rewarding hard work, dedication, and a track record of professional success. For those of you who’ve gotten to know Ann Brydle since she started with ABLE in 2022, I have no doubt you’ve been as impressed as I have with her work ethic and passion for our industry.
I am therefore proud to announce that Ann has been promoted to Senior Manager of Communications. Please join me in congratulating Ann on her well-earned achievement by dropping her a line at ann@ablebc.ca.
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BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health
The Canadian Mental Health Association has created a resource hub for 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 david@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in.
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ABLE BC's Okanagan Liquor Industry Meetings
The ABLE BC team is kicking off this year's Liquor Industry Meetings in the Okanagan!
ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard and Manager of Membership Services David Lough will be meeting with liquor industry professionals throughout the Okanagan from April 8-10.
These meetings are open to owners, managers, and staff from any business in the private liquor industry. We are delighted to extend an invitation to all bars, pubs, hotels, liquor stores, manufacturers, and agents in the Okanagan. No need to be an ABLE BC member to attend!
Come learn about ABLE BC memberships, key issues we’re focusing on, and how you can get more involved in shaping BC’s private liquor industry.
David and Jeff will be discussing these issues:
- LRS temporary relocations
- Benefits and services exclusive to ABLE BC members
- Combatting rising inflation and labour shortages
- Curtailing costs of increased crime and vandalism
- Allowing cannabis consumption on bar and pub patios
- The Minors as Agents Program
- Shifting consumer trends
- And more!
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Penticton
Monday, April 8
3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Local Public Eatery
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Kelowna
Tuesday, April 9
10:00 am-11:30 am
Royal Anne Hotel
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Vernon
Tuesday, April 9
4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Prestige Vernon Hotel
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Kamloops
Wednesday, April 10
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Fox'n Hounds Pub
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ABLE BC Joins Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy
ABLE BC has joined the BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy (BC CADE).
BC CADE was launched to draw attention to the need to keep affordable, dependable energy choices available to heat homes, cook food and run businesses because some large BC municipalities are increasingly banning energy options for new homes, buildings.
BC CADE is concerned about municipalities adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code regulation, which bans natural gas, renewable natural gas, and eventually hydrogen fuel sources for new buildings. This regulation will raise energy costs for the public and businesses while increasing dependence on just one energy source, electricity.
"We are for allowing British Columbians to make wise decisions that will protect both their ability to heat their homes and run their businesses with dependable, affordable energy choices today and in the years ahead – and to support the transition towards a renewable energy future,” says Bill Tieleman, BC Cade Director.
The BC CADE website www.bccade.ca explains the choices BC needs to make to continue to have affordable, dependable energy and why with current drought conditions there could be a serious electricity shortage and high import costs.
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Wildfire Season Preparation Tips
Even if it’s not in the direct path of a fire, your buildings and structures can be at risk of sustaining significant damage from wildfires. Embers can get carried by winds, and if there is flammable material around your property, there is a risk of fire. While building and structure damage is the biggest concern, there are other wildfire-related complications that can impact a business, including evacuation, shutdown orders, and loss of power.
Planning and preparing can make a big difference in keeping your business safe during a wildfire and reopening afterwards. The Western Financial Group Risk Management team has put together a helpful guide to help you feel confident going into wildfire season.
Click here for wildfire season preparation tips from Western Financial Group
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BC's Securing Small Business Rebate Program Updated
In December 2023, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, which will provides small businesses (including liquor stores, bars, pubs, nightclubs, and other hospitality businesses) with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs or to implement eligible preventative measures.
The provincial government has updated the application process to businesses access funding faster.
Administered by the BC Chamber of Commerce, the program offers two rebates:
- Reparative: up to $2,000 per business for each of 2023 and 2024
- Preventative: up to $1,000 per business for 2024
Updates to the application process include:
- Removing the requirement to provide an insurance claim when applying for funding through the reparative stream of the program. Applicants will now simply be required to provide the name of their insurance carrier and policy number.
- Permitting self-installation of measures.
- Removing the requirement for the applicant to demonstrate there is vandalism in the community in order to be eligible for the preventative rebate.
- Removing the application deadline of February 29th. Applications will be accepted until the program ends in 2025.
The application portal is open until January 31, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the program webpage here. Contact the BC Chamber of Commerce at ssbr@bcchamber.org with questions.
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Hospitality Industry Workplace Mental Health Survey
go2HR, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division, is surveying businesses to learn what industry thinks about mental health training so they can continue to develop relevant resources. The survey takes about 8 minutes and can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://sentis.ca/go2hr
Those who complete the survey by March 27 will be entered into a draw to win one of the following:
- One $400 gift card
- One of two $100 gift cards
- One of four $50 gifts cards
This survey is conducted by Sentis Research, a professional BC research company, on behalf of go2HR. Please remember that your feedback is confidential. Your name and organization will not be connected to your survey responses.
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2024 North American ID Checking Guides
If you missed out ordering the 2024 North American ID Checking Guides, you’re in luck! ABLE BC has a limited number of guides available.
Contact David Lough, Manager of Membership Services, at david@ablebc.ca to order yours now!
The 2024 North American ID Checking Guide includes additions of new licenses and ID cards and the elimination of no longer current formats. There are dozens of important changes with respect to interim licenses, enhanced licenses, terms of licenses and other details such as changes to security features.
These books help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver's licenses and ID cards - your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats.
There are only a few 2024 North American ID Checking Guides available. Contact david@ablebc.ca now so you don’t miss out.
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Unlock the Power of Dual Membership with the BCHA
Hotel liquor licensees, are you leveraging the full power of your Dual ABLE BC & BCHA Membership?
As a Dual Member of ABLE BC and the BC Hotel Association, you have access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts from two industry associations who cater specifically to the diverse needs of your business in the hospitality industry.
Here's how we work for you:
- Advocacy and Representation: BCHA and ABLE BC are actively involved in advocating on behalf of their members. As a dual member, you benefit from the collective advocacy efforts of both organizations.
- Networking Opportunities: Double the membership means double the connections! Expand your network, meet potential partners, and stay ahead of industry trends by connecting with a wider range of professionals, experts, and suppliers.
- Training and Education: Enhance your team's skills and ensure liquor license compliance by taking advantage of the free training and educational programs offered by both organizations.
- Access to Resources: From industry reports to educational resources, a dual membership gives you access to a wealth of information to help you make informed decisions and stay competitive.
To explore all the benefits of your Dual Membership, please log in to your member portal. Need assistance accessing your portal or have any questions? Feel free to reach out to our Membership teams: David Lough, ABLE BC Membership Services Manager at david@ablebc.ca, or Samantha Glennie, BCHA Member Services Manager at samantha@bcha.com. We're here to help!
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Advocacy Win! Federal Government Caps Excise Tax at 2% for Two More Years
Earlier this month, the federal government announced thousands of dollars in alcohol excise duty relief for craft breweries and other Canadian alcohol manufacturers.
In direct response to advocacy from Beer Canada, the BC Craft Brewers Guild, ABLE BC, and other industry partners, the 2% cap on beer, spirit, and wine excise duties has been extended by two years.
And there's more good news for craft breweries! The excise duty rate on the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada will by cut in half for two years. This will provide the typical craft brewery with up to $86,952 in additional tax relief in 2024-25.
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IVSA is Coming to Victoria & Kelowna
Buyers, sommeliers, wine directors, bar & restaurant managers, LRS owners & staff are invited to attend the upcoming Import Vintners & Spirits Association’s (IVSA) tasting salons in Victoria and Kelowna.
Victoria:
- Date: Wednesday, April 3
- Location: Marriott Inner Harbour, 728 Humboldt Street
- Time: 11:30 am-3:00 pm
- Cost: free
- RSVP to admin@ivsa.ca
Kelowna:
Attending the Kelowna IVSA tasting? Make sure to arrive early to attend ABLE BC’s Kelowna Liquor Industry Meeting at 10:00 am at the Royal Anne Hotel.
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The BCHA Summit is Coming to Whistler on May 1 & 2!
This year’s highly anticipated 2024 BCHA Summit is set to take place in beautiful Whistler, BC! Hosted at the prestigious Fairmont Chateau Whistler on May 1-2, the accommodation event of the year will unite the hospitality and business community for two days of industry excellence and connection. Whether you're a seasoned hotelier or a rising star in the industry, this event offers invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive.
With engaging keynote speakers, interactive development tracks, a vendor marketplace, and networking sessions, attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and strategies shaping the hospitality landscape. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your career and be part of a vibrant community driving innovation and excellence in hospitality. Register now and join 300+ industry leaders, 50+ cutting-edge vendors, influential owners and operators, and trailblazing technology firms!
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Cannabis Corner:
Complete the Cannabis Retail Membership Survey
ABLE BC meets regularly with all levels of government and senior representatives at the LDB and LCRB to discuss issues affecting BC’s private cannabis retailers.
To help inform our advocacy work, ABLE BC is asking our cannabis members to complete a 10-minute survey before March 25. If you have a cannabis membership with ABLE BC, email bo@ablebc.ca to receive a link to the survey. Input from our members drives our advocacy work and strengthens our initiatives.
Want to get involved in our cannabis advocacy? Contact our Head of Cannabis Membership Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca to learn more about membership. And make sure to sign up for the Cannabis Industry Update newsletter to stay informed.
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go2HR on Tap:
Occupational First Aid Regulatory Change
go2HR is a regular contributor to the ABLE BC Liquor Industry Update newsletter, providing tips and guidance on current HR trends, new legislation, employee recruitment and retention, and more. To read the latest instalment, sign in to the member portal or sign up for the newsletter.
Tourism and hospitality employers can review the draft OHS Guidelines about the new Occupational First Aid regulatory changes from WorkSafeBC. These draft guidelines help employers understand the changes before they come into effect on November 1, 2024.
WorkSafeBC released the draft guidelines for employers and stakeholders to provide feedback by April 2, 2024.
The regulatory changes outline various topics such as:
- Detailing first aid procedures
- Direction for all stages of first aid drills from developing and executing the drill and tracking for completion
- Specifying a list of required first aid contents, supplies, and/or equipment, and more!
This is also an opportunity for employers to evaluate their current first aid plans, supplies, and equipment and make any adjustments. Employers can review the document to understand what it means for their business and provide their input by April 2, 2024. These guidelines are scheduled to be finalized in May 2024. The draft OHS Guidelines for Occupational First Aid are on the WorkSafeBC website.
go2HR, the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of free resources to support you. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees at hr@go2HR.ca.
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Celebrating 20 Years of ABLE BC!
We’re throwing an anniversary party this June to celebrate 20 years of successful advocacy for the private liquor industry! While we continue to plan what will surely be the most fun party ABLE has ever thrown (PS: save the date for June 6!), we’ll continue to take a look at some of the most influential moments and people of ABLE’s history.
Al Deacon owns Fox’n Hounds Pub and Sahali Liquor Store, two of ABLE BC’s longest standing member businesses. Al has also served as a Director on the ABLE BC Board for many years. He has played a key role in shaping our policy priorities and ensuring our work benefits independent pubs and liquor stores, and businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan.
Al was born into the hospitality industry. His father worked for Labatt Brewing and his family owned and operated two hotels, the 150 Hotel in 150 Mile House and King Eddy (now The Met Hotel) in New Westminster, before purchasing Kamloops' Fox’n Hounds Pub in 1983.
It didn’t take long for Al to start working at the pub. First as a janitor, then bartender, and eventually buying into the business with his sister. As soon as they were able to expand with the addition of Sahali Liquor Store, they jumped on the opportunity.
One of Al’s goals as an ABLE BC Director is to see all pubs and private liquors stores join the Alliance. He knows that running a business in the hospitality industry "hasn't gotten any easier, but whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the business, ABLE BC is always here to assist."
"For less than the price of a coffee a day, an ABLE membership helps you focus on your business while keeping you informed of pertinent happenings affecting us all," Al says.
ABLE BC unites our members to create a strong impact with government. We are relentless advocates who give our members a powerful seat at the table. A membership with ABLE BC ensures your voice is heard and addressed by government, so why not join today?
If you are located near Kamloops, come out to meet Al Deacon and ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard in person at our Kamloops Liquor Industry Meeting on Wednesday, April 10.
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Pictured left to right: Al Deacon (ABLE BC Director), Yvan Charette (ABLE BC President), Michael Brown (ABLE BC Director)
Do you have a story to share about your own history with ABLE BC? Get in touch with ann@ablebc.ca.
Stay tuned for more details about our June 6 anniversary party!
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Out and About with ABLE BC
With spring right around the corner, the ABLE BC team is gearing up for a busy season of meetings and events. We’ll be touring the Okanagan in April, attending the BCHA Summit in May, hosting a 20th anniversary bash in June (stay tuned for more details!), and participating in the BC Hospitality Foundation golf tournaments in Vancouver and Victoria later this summer.
We’re looking forward to connecting with our members and industry partners at these events! If you’d like to host a liquor industry meeting or get involved in other ABLE BC events this year, reach out to ann@ablebc.ca.
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ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard appeared in the following media recently:
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events:
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Securing Small Business Rebate Program Info Session, virtual, March 27
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IVSA Buyer’s Tasting Salon, Victoria, April 3
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RC Show, Toronto, April 8-10
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ABLE BC Liquor Industry Meeting, Penticton, April 8
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ABLE BC Liquor Industry Meeting, Kelowna, April 9
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IVSA Buyer’s Tasting Salon, Kelowna, April 9
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ABLE BC Liquor Industry Meeting, Vernon, April 9
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ABLE BC Liquor Industry Meeting, Kamloops, April 10
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BCHA Summit, Whistler, May 1-2
- WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver, May 13
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BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC)
200 - 948 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1N9 Canada
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