2025 ID Checking Guides, ABLE BC’s 2024 Advocacy Report, Breadstack Webinar, and more! ----------------------------------------------- |
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Liquor Industry Update: November 14, 2024 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: - SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference
- Order Your 2025 ID Checking Guides
- 2024 Advocacy Report: Resiliency in Action
- BC CADE Template Letter to Vancouver City Council
- BC's Newest Guilt-Free Luxury
- Getaway with Wines of Portugal in Vancouver
- Breadstack eCommerce Webinar for ABLE BC Members
- Share Your Input on Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management Plan
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
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SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference We are excited to announce the return of SPARK! Join us Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre for BC's premier liquor and cannabis conference.
The highly anticipated third annual SPARK conference returns revamped and revived with a focus on liquor primaries, private liquor stores, and now private cannabis stores!
Get pumped for a full day of advocacy updates, face time with senior executives from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) and Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), networking with like-minded business owners, and learning from industry experts in the liquor and cannabis fields. |
Stay tuned for more details, including registration, sponsorship opportunities, and programming. |
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Order Your 2025 ID Checking Guides The NEW 2025 North American ID Checking Guide and NEW 16th Edition International ID Checking Guide are now available to order through ABLE BC. Place your order before January 10, 2025, to secure our group buying discount! |
ID Checking Guides 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. |
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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. |
| 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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2024 Advocacy Report: Resiliency in Action
Read ABLE BC’s 2024 Advocacy Report: Resiliency in Action to learn more about how the ABLE BC team and Board of Directors work to support our members. |
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BC CADE Template Letter to Vancouver City Council Earlier this year, ABLE BC joined the BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy (BC CADE). This organization aims to draw attention to the need to keep affordable, dependable energy choices available to heat homes, cook food, and run businesses.
In July, BC CADE celebrated Vancouver City Council's vote to include natural gas and hydrogen fuel options for new build home and business heating in the near future. On November 26, Vancouver City Council will be voting on the motion passed in July.
BC CADE is asking members to Vancouver City Council in support of choice on energy sources. See below for a template letter. You can find Vancouver Mayor and Councillor contact information here. ABLE BC has already expressed support to Mayor Ken Sim and Councillors. |
BC's Newest Guilt-Free Luxury
Glimmer Blanc de Blanc de-alcoholized sparkling wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes and de-alcoholized by reverse osmosis to retain maximum texture and aromatics. It’s carbonated and bottled in beautiful Penticton, BC.
We pulled out all the stops on quality, prioritizing taste and an elegant drinking experience above all. With the holidays coming up and Dry January just around the corner, Glimmer gives your customers a truly premium option for all occasions - bubbles without the buzz! |
Glimmer Blanc de Blanc:
- Pack format: 12 x 750mL
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Wholesale: $17.00
- Suggested retail: $26.95
- SKU: W20588
- Minimum order: 1 case
Our team is happy to support you with staff education and consumer tastings where possible.
Email janet@drinkglimmerwine.com for orders or more info. |
Getaway with Wines of Portugal in Vancouver
Join us for an industry training session presented by Kelcie Jones that brings the richness and diversity of Wines of Portugal to life in Vancouver on December 3rd. This event combines both theoretical content and tastings of 8 wines from Portugal, with lunch, at L'Abattoir restaurant. A unique opportunity for professionals to discover a renewed Wines of Portugal offering. |
About the trainer: In 2023, Kelcie was awarded BC's Best Sommelier by CAPS BC, Premier Cru by Vancouver Magazine, and Michelin Guide Vancouver 2023 Sommelier of the Year. She also pens articles on the intersection of wine and literature for various publications. Outside of wine, Kelcie holds a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Toronto. Date: Tuesday, December 3rd Time: 11 am-2 pm
Venue: L'Abattoir, 217 Carrall St, Vancouver |
This event is strictly reserved for private liquor retail employees.
By attending, you authorize Agence Hopscotch Canada Ltée whose head office is located at 2020 Boulevard Robert Bourassa H3A 2A5, Montreal, Quebec, and its technical service providers to film/take photos of you during the event. |
Breadstack eCommerce Webinar for ABLE BC Members
Breadstack eCommerce offers powerful, innovative, and modern e-commerce solutions for private cannabis retailers. ABLE BC members have access to the best pricing and service from Breadstack, including subscription discounts, integration with COVA and Greenline POS, and more!
Discover the power of Breadstack's e-commerce solutions at our exclusive ABLE BC member webinar on Wednesday, November 20 at 10:00 am. Hear from industry experts about how Breadstack can elevate your business, connect with other ABLE BC cannabis members, and be entered into a draw for tickets to MJBizCon! Webinar Details: - Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Location: Virtual - attend from anywhere!
- Speakers: Riel Roussopoulos (Breadstack), David Brown (Stratcann), Spensir Sangara (THC Canada), Bo Chen (ABLE BC)
- Cost: Free
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Share Your Input on Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management Plan Metro Vancouver is updating its solid waste management plan to enhance waste reduction, recycling, and greenhouse gas reduction, supporting a zero-waste and circular economy.
As part of this effort, they are gathering feedback from businesses, communities, and residents—including hospitality and retail professionals like you. This is a key chance to ensure our industry’s views on waste management and environmental impact are heard.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your thoughts on waste reduction strategies and priorities. Your input will help shape the future of waste management in the Lower Mainland. |
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Ask an Expert:
Improving Customer Experience with Foodbuy Canada
In this edition of Ask an Expert, Foodbuy Canada shares insights on improving the customer experience in a bar, pub, or restaurant setting: In the competitive hospitality industry, an exceptional customer experience is essential for success. David Hopkins, President of The Fifteen Group, and Wayne Nichols, Corporate Chef at Foodbuy Canada, share key strategies to elevate guest satisfaction. From well-trained staff and efficient operations to high-quality ingredients and inviting atmospheres, every aspect plays a role. Technology, such as digital menus and online reservations, can streamline service and reduce wait times, enhancing convenience. Hopkins emphasizes consistency and value, noting that guests are willing to pay for quality, while Nichols highlights the importance of sourcing top ingredients to maintain food excellence. Together, these efforts create a memorable, branded experience that keeps guests coming back. |
Interested in becoming an ABLE Expert? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca to learn more. |
Cannabis Corner: Advocacy on Behalf of Maple Ridge Cannabis Retailers ABLE BC is working with municipalities across BC to reduce business licensing fees for cannabis retailers, as Powell River has recently done. This week, we wrote to Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy to express our strong support of reducing the $5000 business licence fee for cannabis retailers. We look forward to sharing updates as they are available. We will continue to push for more opportunities in other communities across BC.
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go2HR on Tap: Enhancing Workplace Culture Through Employee Feedback
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.
Gathering and implementing employee feedback is crucial for fostering a positive and psychologically safe workplace culture, especially in fast-paced workplaces within the liquor industry. When employees feel heard and valued by their employer, it leads to increased job satisfaction, higher levels of retention and engagement, and improved overall performance. Additionally, tapping into employee insights can help drive innovation and continuous improvement, enhance guest service, and create a more cohesive and motivated team.
Here are a few tips to get started: -
Set the Stage for Feedback: Ensure employees feel psychologically safe to share ideas, feedback, concerns, and suggestions, without fear of reprisal. Don’t ask for feedback if you are not prepared or equipped to follow up or take action. Acknowledge and respond to all feedback in a timely manner.
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Create Open Channels for Communication: Establish multiple ways for employees to share their thoughts - directly and anonymously (e.g. Regular meetings, open-door policy, informal chats, online polls or feedback forms, employee engagement surveys).
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Respond Genuinely: Show an interest in what employees have to say. Show gratitude for participation, be willing to explore ideas (no matter how outrageous) and respond with empathy towards concerns.
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Implement Feedback Promptly: Demonstrating that feedback leads to tangible changes is vital. When employees see their suggestions being implemented, it reinforces their value within the organization and boosts morale. While not all feedback may be reasonable or actionable, it is just as important to acknowledge and to let employees know why not and what, if anything, can or will be done with it.
By integrating these practices, liquor industry employers create a more inclusive and positive work environment. This not only enhances employee satisfaction and engagement but also leads to improved guest service, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole. For more information, or to explore ways to gather and implement feedback from your employees, contact your go2HR Regional HR Consultant today!
go2HR, the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of resources to support you. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees with health and safety at safety@go2HR.ca.
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Out and About with ABLE BC
This week, our Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, attended a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event with federal Minister of Immigration Marc Miller. Jeff raised industry's concerns over recent changes to Canada's immigration policy with the Minister. We're working with other industry associations to find solutions to the ongoing labour crisis.
We are so excited about the return of SPARK! Our team has been busy planning out an inspiring and informative program that you won’t want to miss out on. Is there something you’d like to see at SPARK? Email jesse@ablebc.ca to let us know!
In the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing more details for SPARK including travel and accommodation deals, registration, keynote speakers, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can get the most out of the BC Tourism Industry Conference, which takes place at the same venue from March 5-7, 2025.
In case you missed it, ABLE BC appeared in the following media recently: |
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Jeff Guignard speaking to Global News about Surrey approving 12 cannabis stores |
| Bo Chen visiting A Little Bud in White Rock |
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Jeff at an industry whiskey tasting event with Lionheart Spirits (left) and Glacier Media Group (right) |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: - Rhône Valley Vineyards, Vancouver, November 19
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Breadstack & ABLE BC Webinar, Virtual, November 20
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Getaway with Wines of Portugal, Vancouver, December 3
- IVSA Festive Lunch, Vancouver, December 10
- Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 22-March 2, 2025
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SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference, Vancouver, March 5, 2025
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BC Tourism Industry Conference, Vancouver, March 5-7, 2025
- Victoria Cocktail Week, April 13-20, 2025
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BCHA Summit, Vancouver, April 22-23, 2025
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