COVID-19 Update: February 18, 2021

Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,

Here’s what you’ll find inside today’s update:

  • New ABLE BC AGM Date: March 10

  • New ABLE BC Virtual Event Series: February 25

  • Update from ABLE BC: trivia nights not allowed

  • City of Vancouver Update: temporary patio extensions

  • Reminder: “to go” cups not allowed

  • New 2021 Check Photo ID stickers and posters available

  • Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Program

  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program Guarantee

  • Restaurants Canada Show Online Live: February 28 to March 3

  • Canadian Wine and Liquor Law Conference: February 25

  • BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference: March 8 to 12

  • LDB Inventory Count Reminder: February 25-28

  • Extension to April 1 Price Change Deadline

  • Clarification: use of face shields in the workplace

  • BC Wine Institute announces new name

  • People can now legally drink alcohol in seven Port Coquitlam parks

  • Provincial state of emergency extended

Find all past COVID-19 updates here.

New ABLE BC AGM Date: March 10

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our AGM has been rescheduled to: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 10:00 am.

All members in good standing with the Alliance are invited to attend. All non-members are also encouraged to attend, but cannot vote.

The AGM will be held via Zoom. Please RSVP by March 9 to Danielle Leroux (Director of Membership and Communications): danielle@ablebc.ca. A Zoom link will be sent out prior to the AGM.

If you previously RSVP’d for our AGM on February 16 you do not need to RSVP again.

The AGM agenda will include: 

  • Introducing our newly elected 2020-21 Board of Directors

  • Update on 2019-20 activities

  • Presentation of the Alliance’s 2019-20 Financial Statements and Annual Report

  • Discussion about the policy issues and COVID-19 recovery efforts ABLE BC’s Board of Directors will focus on in 2021

  • New business

RSVP now. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact jeff@ablebc.ca.

New ABLE BC Virtual Event Series: February 25

Join ABLE BC for a new virtual event series: a monthly conversation with our Executive Director Jeff Guignard, held on the last Thursday morning of every month.

Catch up on anything you’ve missed over the last month, hear directly from our Executive Director about the state of BC’s liquor industry, and get your questions answered about liquor policy, regulations, and government relations.

We’ll also be joined by members of ABLE BC’s Board of Directors.

The series kicks off on Thursday, February 25 at 10:00 am on Zoom.
RSVP to: danielle@ablebc.ca by February 24.

Update from ABLE BC: trivia nights not allowed

As you may have seen in the media this week, a pub trivia night held in the Fraser Health region is now at the centre of a growing COVID-19 outbreak. Prior to this, industry was largely under the understanding that trivia nights were allowed, so long as the appropriate public health protocols were in place.

ABLE BC has since confirmed with the Provincial Health Officer: trivia nights are considered an ‘event,’ and are therefore currently prohibited. 

We understand how frustrating this is and know there is significant confusion around what is defined as an ‘event.’ While we believe trivia nights can be done safely, at this time they are prohibited under public health orders.

We will update you if there are any changes to this issue. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.

City of Vancouver Update: temporary patio extensions

As you know, on May 22, 2020, the LCRB introduced Policy Directive 20-13: permitting a licensee to temporarily expand their service area (i.e. patios). Policy Directive 20-26 extended this temporary authorization to October 31, 2021. Licensees may apply for new Temporary Expanded Service Area authorizations up to this date.

We know many members are looking at extending their temporary licensed areas over the course of the summer.

ABLE BC, BCRFA, and DVBIA are working directly with the City of Vancouver around policies and procedures to help businesses prepare for the summer. We expect to have updates for you, in partnership with the City of Vancouver, very soon.

In the interim, regardless of where you are located in the province, if you have a temporary patio that you want to make permanent, we strongly encourage you to begin the application process for a structural change now.The branch routinely takes 6-9 months to complete the process.

ABLE BC is also engaging with municipalities to ensure they know the importance of expediting work on their end.

For more information on structural changes:

Reminder: to go cups not allowed

A reminder to all licensees: selling liquor or pre-mixed cocktails in to-go cups or solo cups is not allowed.

Selling cocktails or other beverages in “to go” containers contravenes the terms and conditions of your license and will make you subject to possible enforcement action.

As you are aware, liquor and food primaries are temporarily allowed to sell packaged, unopened liquor of all types for off-site consumption (except draught beer in growlers and bombers) in conjunction with the sale of a meal that is for take-out or delivery.

For the purposes of the terms and conditions, the word ‘unopened’ means packaged in the container the manufacturer sold the product in. You must not sell any liquor you have packaged yourself. This includes draught beer in growlers and bombers.

The policy is currently set to expire on March 31, 2021.

Other provinces, such as Ontario, now allow the sale of bottled cocktails to go. We are currently exploring the possibility of allowing this in BC with government.

For more information:

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.

New 2021 Check Photo ID stickers and posters available

New in the ABLE BC online store: 2021 Check Photo ID Stoplight laminated signs ($5.00) and stickers ($2.50).

Also available in our store:

Plus free COVID-19 resources:

Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Program

The Business Grant Program is a key initiative under British Columbia’s Economic Recovery Plan – StrongerBC to help businesses survive COVID-19 and thrive in the future.

For this two step program, businesses need to visit gov.bc.ca/businessrecoverygrant to learn how the program works and see what they need to apply. Then they’re ready for Step One: starting their application.

After applying, the BC government reviews for eligibility, reaching out to applicants if they have any questions or need more info. If eligibility is confirmed, businesses move to Step Two: completing a recovery plan.

The money can be used for a variety of expenses, including buying new equipment, paying for rent, or investing in new ways of serving their customers like an e-commerce website or delivery options.

The grants are available until March 31, 2021 or until all funding has been allocated.

Many BC businesses have already applied – don’t miss out! Apply for BC’s Business Recovery Grant today.

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program Guarantee

Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs through the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program. 

Is this the right financing for my business?

These loans are for small and medium-sized businesses that have seen their revenues decrease by 50% or more as a result of COVID-19.

Up to $1 million

The guarantee covers amounts ranging from $25,000 to $1 million to ensure a degree of continuity for your business through the pandemic.

Flexible and competitive terms

Benefit from a 4% interest rate and a repayment term of up to 10 years. Up to a 12-month postponement of principal payments at the start of the loan.

Guaranteed loans 

The Government of Canada has mandated BDC to provide a guarantee to your financial institution for 100% of the value of a new term loan, to increase your company’s ability to access new credit.

Program dates

The HASCAP Guarantee is available until June 30, 2021.

How to apply

Contact your primary financial institution to find out more. Important: You can apply at one financial institution only.

Learn more.

Restaurants Canada Show Online Live: February 28 to March 3

RC Show, Canada’s largest hospitality trade show and conference, returns February 28 to March 3!

Typically hosted in Toronto and welcoming over 20,000 attendees, Restaurants Canada has moved the show virtual this year to continue to provide education, the latest product innovations, and events designed to lead, inspire, and motivate the industry.

Join RC for four days of action-packed content as they bring international leaders, top CEO’s across all business types, and highlight the trailblazers who adapted their businesses successfully through the pandemic.

Learn about new revenue opportunities, trends, and business building solutions all designed to bring the industry together to share ideas to rebuild, reinvent, and reconnect to help Feed the Recovery, which is this year’s theme.

Explore the schedule, speakers, programming, and events here.

Check out a teaser trailer here.

ABLE BC members: use discount code ablebcyay at checkout to save 50% on your registration.

Canadian Wine and Liquor Law Conference: February 25

Join AIDV Canada for the second annual Canadian Wine and Liquor Law Conference: February 25, 2021 virtually.

The half-day agenda begins at 11:30 am EST/8:30 am PST. Their stellar list of speakers reflects the national coverage of the Canadian AIDV Chapter, including a focus on legal and policy issues across Canada’s wine producing regions, with an emphasis this year on appellations.

Whether you are a practicing lawyer, wine/liquor industry professional, or conduct research supporting the grape and wine industry, the agenda topics should be relevant and informative

View the Detailed Agenda here. Purchase tickets here.

BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference: March 8 to 12

Join BCHA and TIABC at the 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference: March 8 to 12 online. The conference theme is Mission Possible, a reference to the resilience and overall tenacity of our industry, as we look to the future of tourism and hospitality.

WHEN: The conference will take place Monday, March 8- Thursday, March 11. Friday, March 12 is a free day of learning workshops.

WHERE: The conference will take place virtually over Zoom. 

WHAT: Two 60-minute presentations each morning and afternoon (total of 4 per day), with the addition of keynote presentations on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday will offer a selection of free concurrent workshops for you to choose from.

Enjoy presentations and workshops on a wide-range of topics from industry experts and leaders like:

  • Doug Stephens, of Retail Prophet

  • Randy Durband, CEO for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

  • Susie Grynol, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada

  • Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination Canada

  • And many, many more

Great value at only $99.00 per person (or $250.00 per company for up to four (4) people) for the week and $20.00 per person to join the Tuesday Craft Beer Tasting (all prices exclusive of GST and applicable taxes). Over 24 hours of content and complimentary workshops on Friday!

Register here.

LDB Inventory Count Reminder: February 25-28

This is a reminder that the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) liquor distribution warehouses in Delta and Kamloops will conduct a mandatory physical inventory count from Thursday, February 25 through Sunday, February 28, 2021.

What this mean for Vancouver Wholesale Customer Centre Customers:

  • The LDB warehouses will not be filling orders during the inventory count

  • You may place orders during this period, however orders will not be processed until the count is completed

  • You will not receive Order Submission Reports from 11:45 am on Wednesday, February 24 until operations resume on Monday, March 1, 2021.

  • Returns will not be processed from February 22 to 28, inclusive

  • You may experience a delay in receiving third‐party warehouse stocked product (NSWP)

If your location is impacted by a change to your order time or delivery day, the Wholesale Customer Centre would have already contacted you directly. The Wholesale Customer Centre will be open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

What this means for Victoria Wholesale Customer Centre Customers:

The distribution centres will not be filling orders during the inventory count. Customers may place orders during the inventory count but only product stocked in the WCC Victoria can be fulfilled until the count is complete.

Product that are fulfilled directly from the distribution centres and third-party warehouse stocked product (NSWP) may be delayed. 

The Wholesale Customer Centre in Victoria will be open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm to assist you. 

What this means for Hospitality Customers serviced by BC Liquor Stores:

Hospitality customers serviced by BC Liquor Stores may continue to place orders during the inventory count but only product stocked in the store can be fulfilled until the count is complete. Product that are fulfilled directly from the distribution centres and third‐party warehouse stocked product (NSWP) may be delayed. 

Extension to April 1 Price Change Deadline

On February 12, 2021, the federal government announced the excise duty rate change that will take effect on April 1, 2021.

The new excise rates are listed in the Appendix of the attached memo. The rates of excise duty are adjusted annually to the Consumer Prince Index on April 1 of every year, and the next inflationary rate adjustment will be on April 1, 2022.

This information can also be found on the LDB Wholesale website and Vendor website.

Information for vendors and suppliers: 

  • The LDB will be extending the price change deadline for Period 1 to end-of-day on February 19, 2021. This will provide additional time for vendors and suppliers to react to any wholesale price changes for Period 1 for fiscal 2021-22 (April 2021).

  • Please note: this extension does not apply to Wholesale Price Promotions

  • The LDB’s pricing calculators have been updated and are available for use

  • The LDB’s minimum wholesale price has not changed due to the increase in excise duty

  • The wholesale price list reflecting the excise duty-increase will be available for vendors to view as per regular schedule

  • Any price changes submitted by end-of-day on February 19, 2021 will take effect for Period 1, which is effective for April 1, 2021.

Information for wholesale and hospitality customers: 

  • BC’s wholesale prices will be effective on April 1, 2021 to reflect the excise duty increase

  • The wholesale and hospitality price lists for Period 1 will be available as per regular schedule

Read more about the changes here. If you have any questions, please contact: wholesalepricing@bcldb.com.

Clarification: use of face shields in the workplace

A new resource from WorkSafeBC clarifies the use of face shields in the workplace.

Download it here.

Face shields can be used for added protection in the workplace, but cannot replace face masks. This document provides guidance on using face shields specifically in non-health care settings.

BC Wine Institute announces new name

The British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI), the voice of the BC wine industry, is proud to announce that they have changed their name to Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) to better reflect the value-add agriculture, agri-food and growth opportunities of this dynamic industry.

Following the lead of their national organization, recently renamed Wine Growers Canada (WGC), renaming themselves as WGBC reflects their deep connection to the land, from the vineyard to the glass, and repositions the BC wine industry and WGBC as the high value agri-food product and economic growth generator they are.

Wine Growers British Columbia continues to represent wineries across all nine wine growing regions of BC. Their member wineries are responsible for almost 95 per cent of all grape wine produced in BC including 100 per cent certified BC wines. 

WGBC will continue to bring together their membership to market the wines and wine regions of BC; deliver quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and advocate to government on behalf of industry by working cooperatively with governments and stakeholders at all levels to find solutions that benefit BC wines and the communities in which we work and live.

Read more.

People can now legally drink alcohol in seven Port Coquitlam parks

The City of Port Coquitlam announced on Wednesday that it will permanently allow alcohol consumption in seven of its public parks.
The decision comes after what the city said was a successful pilot project last summer, and “strong approval” in public feedback.

The seven parks to allow alcohol consumption are Castle, Settlers, Gates, Lions, Aggie, Evergreen, and Cedar Drive.

A pilot project will also be conducted at Peace, McLean and Dominion Parks this year until October 31. Amendments to the bylaw will be brought forward to City Council in early March.

The City has 30 other parks throughout the community where alcohol is currently not permitted.

Provincial state of emergency extended

The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support the Province’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on March 2, 2021, to allow staff to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.

The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.‘s health and emergency management officials.

The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer (PHO), declared a public health emergency.

The Province continues to use, with the support of police and other enforcement officials, measures under the EPA to limit the spread of COVID-19, including issuing tickets for owners, operators and event organizers who host an event or gathering contravening the PHO’s orders.

On July 10, 2020, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act came into force, enabling provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed should the provincial state of emergency end.

Read more.

Ann Brydle