Liquor Industry Update --------------------------------------------------------
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Liquor Industry Update:
May 16, 2024
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry:
- Single-Use Plastic Ring Carriers
- Advocacy Win: Single Bottle Pick Service Expanded!
- BarWatch Nightclubs Increase Groping Ban to Two Years
- Win a $200 Visa Gift Card! Take the ABLE BC Benchmark Survey Before May 31
- Tourism HR Canada Seeking Input on Bartender National Occupational Standards
- BCHA Announces Launch of Emergency Management Central Booking Portal
- Read the Summer 2024 Issue of The Quarterly Pour
- BCHA's Fast Track Your Future: Managing Crisis Communications
- ABLE BC Experts: Beverage Alcohol Sales in Decline?
What you'll find in every newsletter:
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Single-Use Plastic Ring Carriers
As you know, the federal prohibition on single-use plastics was introduced in 2022 and is being implemented in stages. The next stage, which prohibits the use of single-use plastic ring carriers, will come into force on June 20, 2024.
The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has shared this message with industry:
"As previously communicated, the Government of Canada’s Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) is being implemented in stages, and the prohibition of the sale of beverage alcohol packaged in single-use plastic ring carriers will come into force as of June 20, 2024.
Please note that there are many alternative products already being used by vendors including cardboard boxes, rigid plastic snap-on carriers, or fiber-based carriers. Only the single-use flexible ring carriers pictured below are affected by the regulation.
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In preparation for the June 20, 2024 deadline, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be ceasing the distribution of flexible ring-packaged products as of May 24, 2024 and would like to advise wholesale customers that returns on flexible ring-packaged products will not be accepted after May 24.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to be in compliance with SUPPR.
For any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Wholesale Customer Centre at whoelsalehelp@bcldb.com.
For more information on SUPPR, please refer to the July 18, 2022 notice posted in the news section of the LDB Wholesale Operations website: Single-use Plastic Prohibition: Plastic Ring Carriers."
See ABLE BC’s guide on Navigating Provincial and Federal Single-Use Plastic Regulations to learn more.
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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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Advocacy Win: Single Bottle Pick Service Expanded!
Good news for members who rely on single bottle picks! In response to ABLE BC’s continued advocacy, the LDB has again expanded single bottle pick service.
Please read this message from the LDB:
"We are pleased to share an update regarding the LDB’s single bottle pick service.
Effective immediately, LDB Wholesale Operations will be expanding its single bottle pick service to offer a selection of year-round spirits, champagnes, wines, and liqueurs in 750ml and 1.14L volume format.
The complete list of all single bottle pick products is posted on the LDB Wholesale Operations website here. The 10% bottle pick rule – as applicable to specific customer types, and outlined in the WCC Order Handbook – will continue to apply.
The single bottle pick service selection reflects industry recommendations and balances efficient distribution centre operations with customer demand, allowing LDB Wholesale Operations to focus on providing uninterrupted service to our customers.
The selection assortment will be reviewed and assessed seasonally."
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BarWatch Nightclubs Increase Groping Ban to Two Years
Earlier this week, Vancouver’s BarWatch program announced increased penalties for offenders of its anti-groping policy. Groping will now result in a two-year ban.
"We’re implementing this campaign in order to build an environment in which all staff and guests in our member establishments are safe and can have peace of mind that groping is seen as a serious offence," BarWatch chairman Curtis Robinson said in a statement.
Click here to learn more.
ABLE BC applauds the good work of the BarWatch program and its participating nightclubs. We are pleased to share members with the BarWatch program and work together on issues affecting Vancouver nightclubs.
If you would like to learn more about BarWatch, contact Curtis Robinson at cl.rob@telus.net or 604-309-7559.
If you would like to learn more about ABLE BC’s advocacy for nightclubs, please contact Ann Brydle at ann@ablebc.ca.
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Win a $200 Visa Gift Card! Take the ABLE BC Benchmark Survey before May 31
Help us shed light on the challenges facing the private liquor industry in 2024. Take our Industry Benchmark Survey now!
This survey is for all Licensee Retail Store (LRS) and Liquor Primary (LP) licensees in BC.
ABLE BC seeks to understand how your business is doing and what you expect in 2024. Your replies are vital to our research and advocacy work and will help us better advance the needs of the private liquor industry.
This survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will remain open until Friday, May 31, 2024.
As a thank you for your participation, respondents will receive a free detailed analysis of this survey's findings.
Survey respondents who provide their contact information will be entered into a draw to win a $200 Visa gift card, generously provided by Andrea O'Leary of SONA.
The information you provide in this survey will be kept strictly private and confidential. Your responses will not be viewed on an individual basis but analyzed in aggregate form.
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Tourism HR Canada Seeking Input on Bartender National Occupational Standards
Tourism HR Canada is seeking participants for a 3-hour virtual meeting to identify and review competencies for Bartender National Occupational Standards.
Who are we looking for?
Tourism HR Canada is recruiting 10-15 bartenders with diverse experiences, knowledge, and expertise.
What will be expected of you?
Participants will share personal experiences and insights in an open discussion format. The session will be conducted by a trained facilitator who will ensure the information gathered and resulting tools meet the needs of the hospitality industry.
When is it?
The Competency Validation Session (virtual, 3 hours) takes place on Wednesday, May 29, from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Fill out this form to show your interest in participating.
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BCHA Announces Launch of Emergency Management Central Booking Portal
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness have announced the development of the Emergency Management Central Booking Portal. This solution addresses the urgent need for swift and efficient evacuation procedures in response to climate crises. The innovative system aims to expedite evacuees to safe shelter with increased speed and coordination, ensuring seamless collaboration in real time.
“The Emergency Management Central Booking Portal provides Emergency Support Services with a much-needed tool to ensure evacuees can find safe and secure accommodation during crises,” said Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO of the BC Hotel Association.
This streamlined system ensures efficient coordination and tracking of evacuee placements in times of crisis.
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Read the Summer 2024 Issue of The Quarterly Pour
The summer 2024 issue of The Quarterly Pour is out now!
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Featured articles in this issue:
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BCHA's Fast Track Your Future: Managing Crisis Communications
The BC Hotel Association’s (BCHA) Fast Track Your Future series returns next month with sessions on Managing Crisis Communications.
Facilitated by tartanbond and Hatch Hospitality, this series equips participants with essential issues management and communication tools tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector.
From establishing a proactive response plan to implementing best practices, attendees will gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate crises responsibly and intentionally.
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ABLE BC Experts: Beverage Alcohol Sales in Decline?
ABLE BC partners with associations, service providers, and industry stakeholders to bring our members expert advice on a range of issues affecting liquor-licensed businesses.
This week, we’re highlighting the experts at Foodbuy Canada and their analysis of beverage alcohol trends:
There have been several stories of late indicating a decline in beverage alcohol sales. The main concern is that higher pricing, as a result of aggressive taxation, is continuing to damage the category and is leading to an erosion of sales.
We asked Mitch Stefani, Canada's Client Solutions Director at CGA by NIQ Americas, what is currently driving these behaviours? “There are different things at play right now. However, the top reason for the softening that consumers are expressing is the result of the rising cost of living.”
We asked if service levels in the industry are impacting sales as staffing shortages have been a large issue. “Our sources suggest operators are simply passing on costs as the industry works on such thin margins. We think consumers are just beginning to feel it now and they are simply starting to go out less frequently than before.”
Stefani summed up by saying, “We do see some light at the end of the tunnel, but moving forward it will be interesting to see how much of a factor the economy continues to impact overall consumer behaviours."
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Foodbuy Canada saves you time and money by leveraging their $3B+ purchasing power with 400 manufacturers to streamline your buying processes and identify new ways to optimize your supply chain.
Want to work with Foodbuy Canada? Contact Martin Brochu, Regional Sales Director, at martin.brochu@foodbuy.ca or 778-855-1231.
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Cannabis Corner:
Monitoring MAP Inspection Rates
ABLE BC’s government relations and advocacy work for cannabis retail members includes regular conversations with senior executives at the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to ensure our members’ needs are heard and addressed.
Recently, we’ve heard concerns from cannabis retailers about the Minors as Agents Program (MAP) and whether government-run cannabis stores are held to the same inspection standards as private retailers.
The LCRB attended a recent ABLE BC Board meeting and shared Memorandums of Understanding in place between the LCRB and the LDB that outline MAP inspections. We are pleased to report that these MOUs clearly state that government-run cannabis stores are held to the same inspection standards and frequency as private stores. There is no difference in fee schedule, fines, suspensions, or inspections.
To learn more, read the latest issue of our Cannabis Industry Update newsletter.
Want to get involved in our cannabis advocacy? Contact 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 on all our cannabis efforts.
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go2HR on Tap:
Improve Intergenerational Communication in the Workplace
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.
The workplace has become a multi-generational environment. Cultural, economic, and social differences between generations can make productive communication difficult.
From fostering inclusivity to maximizing productivity, learning how to bridge generational gaps will enhance teamwork and boost employee engagement and retention. A company culture that champions the values and viewpoints of each generation starts with an understanding of basic generational differences, biases, and communication styles.
Learn how to embrace diverse communication methods and create a harmonious and efficient work environment that values individual contributions with go2HR.
Click here for detailed tips on improving intergenerational communication in the workplace.
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!
BC’s private liquor industry has been closely tied to accommodation since the first liquor license was issued in 1925, allowing a Vancouver hotel to serve draft beer.
Since ABLE BC’s founding, we have worked alongside the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) on liquor policy issues affecting BC’s accommodation industry. Along with our partners at the BCHA, we created the dual member category to ensure hotels with liquor licenses have access to both BCHA and ABLE BC’s advocacy work, resources, and benefits.
Here's a snapshot of our advocacy wins that benefit BCHA & ABLE BC dual members:
- Wholesale pricing on liquor products for Liquor Primary and Food Primary businesses - saving hotels an average of 20% on liquor purchases.
- Extended deadline for converting Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) authorizations to December 31, 2024 - giving hotels the time needed to convert temporary patio spaces to permanent fixtures.
- Authorization for retailers to sell to Special Event Permit holders - allowing hotel liquor stores to explore a new revenue stream.
- Increased the liquor transfer amount to $100,000 - giving hotels more flexibility to share liquor inventory between restaurants and lounges.
- Extended liquor room service hours to 24 hours - regardless of a hotel’s Liquor Primary or Food Primary license hours, if the liquor is sold with a meal.
Learn more about BCHA & ABLE BC dual memberships here.
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Jeff Guignard, ABLE BC Executive Director, and Ingrid Jarrett, BCHA CEO & President
Join us on June 6th to celebrate 20 years of successful advocacy, industry empowerment, and protecting members' investments!
- Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
- Time: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
- Location: The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie Street, Vancouver
- Cost: free for members! Simply log in to the member portal to register at no cost. Non-members may register for $25.
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Out and About with ABLE BC
We've had a busy couple of weeks here at ABLE BC. Springtime means lots of events and opportunities for our team to connect with industry and our members.
Last week, our team hosted a Q&A style webinar for Vancouver licensees with the LCRB and VPD. With the playoffs in full swing (go Canucks go!), it's important for licensees, especially those located in Downtown Vancouver, to review responsible alcohol service best practices with their teams. We all play a part in contributing to fun and responsible celebration of the Canucks playoff journey!
Our Senior Communications Manager Ann Brydle was in Vancouver earlier this week for some face-time with the rest of the team, to attend the Top Drop wine festival, and to attend the inaugural WORTH Leadership Summit with our friends at the BCHA. The conference was inspiring and educational with excellent presentations from Good Night Out, Not 9 to 5, and industry leaders like Ingrid Jarrett, Shiva Reddy, Heather McCrory, Siobhan Detkavich, Joanna Jagger, and more.
Yesterday, we attended the BC Hospitality Foundation's Annual General Meeting. The BCHF is our charity of choice, providing essential financial support to hospitality workers in times of crisis. ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, has sat on the BCHF Board of Directors for several years. This year, Jeff's term on the BCHF Board comes to an end.
"It has been an honour to work with the BCHF and support the vital work they do for our industry," says Jeff. "While I no longer serve on the Board, I look forward to continuing support for the BCHF through sponsorships, volunteering, and attending fundraising events."
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Left to right: Bo Chen, Ann Brydle, David Lough
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Left to right: Karissa Bourgeault (BCHA), Sam Glennie (BCHA), Ann Brydle (ABLE BC)
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Left to right: Jeff Guignard (ABLE BC) and Ken Beattie (BC Craft Brewers Guild)
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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:
- ABLE BC’s 20th Anniversary Party, Vancouver, June 6
- Tether Budtender Sampling Event, Kelowna, June 9
- StratCann: Growing Relationships, Kelowna, June 10
- BCHF Vancouver Golf Tournament, Vancouver, July 5
- BCHF Victoria Golf Tournament, Victoria, August 21
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Copyright © 2024
BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC)
200 - 948 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1N9 Canada
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