ABLE BC Election Toolkit, BC Lotto Update, and more! ----------------------------------------------- |
|
|
Liquor Industry Update: October 3, 2024 |
|
|
Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry - ABLE BC Election Advocacy 101
- Update: BC Lotto Issues
-
ABLE BC Liquor Industry Meetings in Vancouver & Whistler
- Wine Growers BC President & CEO Retires
- 2024 Small Business Week Summit
- BC Chamber of Commerce Unveils Election Priorities
-
City of Vancouver's Alcohol on Beaches Pilot Project Wraps Up
What you'll find in every newsletter: |
| |
|
ABLE BC Election Advocacy 101
As we approach a pivotal election, the ABLE BC team is ramping up government relations efforts to ensure the voices of BC’s private liquor and cannabis businesses are heard loud and clear.
The outcome of this election could have significant impacts on our industry, and we need to act now to protect and promote the interests of owners like you. You can help our efforts by engaging with your local candidates and sharing key messages to help them understand our industry’s needs.
To help you prepare for discussions with candidates, we’ve organized ABLE BC Election Advocacy 101 sessions on October 7 and October 10.
We have also prepared our 2024 BC Election Toolkit with all the information you need to be an advocate for BC’s private liquor and cannabis industry. These sessions give you a chance to learn how you can engage your local candidates and highlight our industry's policy priorities, such as: -
Opposing any move to allow convenience stores to retail alcohol in BC, as happened recently in Ontario;
- Preventing further expansion of liquor retailing in grocery stores;
- Safeguarding the 1 km rule, our industry’s most fundamental investment protection;
-
Maintaining the moratorium on new LRS licenses;
- Gaining new business opportunities such as selling to hospitality (i.e. licensee-to-licensee sales);
- Workforce development to address the ongoing labour crisis;
-
Stronger enforcement measures against illicit cannabis sales;
- Implementing a minimum provincial distance requirement for cannabis retailers;
- Allowing cannabis retailers to make wholesale purchases with credit cards; and
-
Public safety grants to address repair and prevention costs related to crime and vandalism.
Regardless of the election’s outcome, we know the composition of the legislature will change significantly after election day. This is a crucial time to build relationships with key decision-makers and ensure that our industry’s concerns are front and centre.
Questions? Reach out to ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, at jeff@ablebc.ca. |
|
|
Election Advocacy 101
Monday, October 7 Date: Monday, October 7, 2024 Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Virtual - register to access the link Cost: FREE! |
| Election Advocacy 101 Thursday, October 10 Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024 Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Location: Virtual - register to access the link Cost: FREE! |
|
|
Update: BC Lotto Issues
As you know, the new machine installation from BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) caused several significant issues for Liquor Primaries across BC. Click here for the most recent update on these issues. The BCLC team is working hard on solutions and has connected with every affected business to offer support. They successfully re-enabled bill acceptors last week and announced an agreement on compensation packages on September 19th. BCLC will provide individual retailers further details and other updates this week.
We understand that lottery transaction and invoice reconciliation continue to be a major issue for businesses. BCLC is focusing on improving the invoice and balancing process, and Territory Managers contact businesses regularly for support. If you have not heard from your Territory Manager, please reach out to us at jeff@ablebc.ca.
ABLE BC will continue to meet with BCLC senior executives weekly to resolve other issues with the machines. Rest assured, BCLC takes these issues seriously and is working diligently on a resolution.
We will provide further updates as they are available. If you have questions about BCLC, please contact Jeff Guignard, ABLE BC's Executive Director, at jeff@ablebc.ca. |
|
|
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 ann@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
|
|
ABLE BC Liquor Industry Meetings in Vancouver & Whistler
The ABLE BC team is on the road! Join us for a Liquor Industry Meeting in North Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, or Whistler next week.
Liquor Industry Meetings are free to attend and 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 nearby. No need to be an ABLE BC member to attend! These meetings are for you if you want to learn more about: - Engaging with political parties during the election
-
Preventing grocery and convenience stores from retailing liquor products
- Addressing unfair retail practices by BC Liquor Stores
- Bottle service for Liquor Primary businesses
-
Illegal inter-provincial retailing from Alberta liquor retailers
- Benefits and services exclusive to ABLE BC members
- Combatting rising inflation and labour shortages
- Curtailing costs of increased crime and vandalism
-
And more!
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. |
| |
North Vancouver Date: October 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Venue: Copperpenny Distilling, 103-288 Esplanade, North Van Cost: FREE! |
| Vancouver Date: October 8, 2024 Time: 10:30 am to 11:45 am Venue: Vancouver Club, 915 West Hastings, Vancouver Cost: FREE! |
| Whistler Date: October 9, 2024 Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Venue: Black's Pub, 7-4340 Sundial Pl, Whistler Cost: FREE! |
|
|
Wine Growers BC President & CEO Retires
Miles Prodan, President & CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC), has announced his retirement, effective December 31st. This announcement concludes a distinguished 14-year tenure marked by significant accomplishments and transformative leadership.
WGBC Chair Paul Sawler expressed gratitude for Prodan's dedicated service, noting that his decision to step down aligns with both his personal goals and the evolving needs of WGBC. Sawler highlighted that this transition comes at a time when the organization is poised for a strategic shift in response to emerging industry challenges and opportunities. ABLE BC wishes Miles all the best for the future, and we thank him for his contributions to the industry and his support of BC’s private liquor industry. |
2024 Small Business Week Summit
The BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit celebrates BC’s small businesses – the backbone of our provincial economy – and provides them with the opportunity to listen, learn and engage directly with subject matter experts and thought leaders on topics that are important to them.
This year’s theme, Cultivating Resilience through Innovation, highlights the importance of empowering businesses to thrive during times of uncertainty and change. As they face unprecedented challenges, businesses need to stay flexible, embrace new realities, adopt innovative, sustainable practices and harness cutting-edge technologies to secure lasting success. Tune in October 21-25 for a thoughtfully curated program of five free webinars that address a variety of topics and equip businesses with the tools needed to excel in today’s dynamic landscape. |
BC Chamber of Commerce Unveils Election Priorities
With the provincial election officially underway, the BC Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the top ten policy priorities its members believe are critical for the next Government of British Columbia to action to help create a healthy business environment. The policies reflect the daily challenges local businesses face and what they need – a reduced cost of doing business, improved community safety and housing supply, and improved infrastructure – and provide practical and meaningful solutions.
|
City of Vancouver's Alcohol on Beaches Pilot Project Wraps Up
The City of Vancouver’s Alcohol on Beaches pilot project concluded on September 30. Beachgoers are reminded that from October 1, alcohol consumption is no longer permitted on any of Vancouver’s beaches. This project was introduced in 2021 and 2022, allowing consumption in select park sites over the summer. In 2023, the Parks Board approved the decision to make park pilot sites permanent, and the project expanded to include alcohol consumption on select Vancouver beaches. City staff are now reviewing the findings from the pilot project and will share at a later date. |
|
|
Ask an Expert:
Communicating with Employees about Unions
Ryan Anderson, ABLE BC’s employment law expert and Partner at Mathews Dinsdale is back for another edition of Ask An Expert and continuing his series on unionization. This week, he’s taking a closer look at communicating with employees about unions – from the dos and don’ts to the cans and can’ts.
Free speech, right? If I tell the truth, it’s fine, right? I’m entitled to share my opinion, as long as I’m professional, right? Well, not always.
Many employers are surprised that the BC Labour Relations Code imposes legal restrictions on what they can and cannot say to employees about unions. Previous iterations of the Code allowed employers to candidly share their views about unions – even very negative views – as long as what they said was not “coercive or intimidating.” However, amendments in 2019 changed the rules.
The Labour Relations Board’s interpretation of the current legislation views trash-talking unions or union supporters when communicating with employees as an unfair labour practice (i.e. unlawful). Communications that disparage unions, threaten or predict that unionizing will ruin the working relationship or threaten job security, infer that the company might close or move if it becomes unionized, or suggest that union supporters will “get what’s coming to them,” would be deemed an unfair labour practice.
The consequences of crossing the line with unlawful messages to employees during a union organizing drive could include remedial certification – i.e. the Board could order the automatic unionization of the workplace without counting union cards or conducting a vote.
Some employers hear this warning and presume it means they can’t say anything to employees about unions – that is a myth. It is absolutely vital that employers communicate with employees when employees are considering unionization. Employers must exercise their right to talk about the unionization process, how it works, and what it means to become unionized. Employers must also speak up to correct misinformation, talk about their business, and emphasize the positive aspects of the employment relationship.
Union organizers often warn employees that their employer will say nasty things about unions and union supporters, and that employees need protection from angry managers. Don’t fall into the trap of saying or doing things that prove the union right.
It is not unlawful to say things that will influence employee decision-making about unions. The key is to carefully coordinate your communication strategy, with the assistance of legal counsel and/or expert labour relations advice. That’s where the team at Mathews Dinsdale comes in. Reach out to Ryan Anderson at 604-638-2042 or randerson@mathewsdinsdale.com if you have any questions about unionization.
|
|
|
go2HR on Tap: Invest in your Team for Year-Round Success
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.
Whether you’re in the middle of a bustling tourist season or gearing down for quieter months, investing in staff training is always smart! At go2HR, we offer training courses to enhance your employees' professional skills, foster an inclusive workplace culture, and improve safety—essential for bars, pubs, and retail stores. Our industry-specific courses are flexible and available online. Each course has a certificate of completion, and there are no deadlines to worry about! We offer training in the following areas: -
Customer Service: Our SuperHost® courses empower your team, equipping them to deliver exceptional customer experiences that elevate your business.
-
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Training: Our Introduction to EDI course helps you create a respectful and supportive workplace. Build on this foundation with advanced training in diversity and inclusion to boost staff morale, productivity, and talent retention.
-
Health & Safety: Ensure your workplace is safe and regulation-compliant with our comprehensive health & safety training. From Joint Health & Safety Committee training to general safety awareness, we have you covered!
-
Mental Health: Start the conversation and prioritize mental health in the workplace. Explore a range of topics, including work/life balance, respectful workplaces, and cultivating a psychologically safe workplace for your team.
Invest in employee training for a stronger team and successful business year-round! Explore and sign up for our training offerings today! Do you have any questions about our training? Contact go2HR’s Training team at training@go2hr.ca
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.
|
Out and About with ABLE BC
The ABLE BC team is officially in our busy season! We're gearing up for the election by meeting with candidates to ensure they understand the needs of our industry. You can help our advocacy work by engaging with candidates in your community -- download our 2024 BC Election Advocacy Toolkit or attend an upcoming Advocacy 101 Session to learn how.
We're also wrapping up the last of our Liquor Industry Meetings next week. You still have time to register for a meeting in North Vancouver, Vancouver, or Whistler. Don't miss out!
We're also working on a few upcoming events. Stay tuned for announcements for our annual post-holiday reception and 2025 conference dates! We've got some great things coming and we can't wait to share more. |
Jeff Guignard speaking at the ABLE BC 20th anniversary party |
|
|
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
|
|
|
