Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
As we approach a pivotal election, ABLE BC is ramping up our government relations efforts to ensure the voice 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.
Join us for an ABLE BC Election Advocacy 101 session 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;
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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;
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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;
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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.
There are three upcoming sessions on October 3, October 7, and October 10. See below to register for a session.
This election could have far-reaching consequences and shape the future of our industry.
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 the concerns our members are front and centre.
Help our advocacy efforts by engaging with your local candidate!
Questions? Reach out to ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, at jeff@ablebc.ca.
