More DD Products, Strike Survey, Media & MLAs... . |
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Important Industry Message: October 14, 2025 |
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A Message from ABLE BC ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,
I'm reaching out in this direct message to you all to commend and support your ongoing efforts in serving your communities, keeping local talent employed, and ensuring BC's economy continues on during challenging times for our industry. As we all continue to pivot and take on the obstacles facing us at the moment - I hope you all also had time to be your loved ones and find some reprieve over this Thanksgiving long weekend. The hurdles against us during this strike are daunting. With our supply chain being strangled and stress tested, I empathize with operators and allies who have had to make tough decision for their businesses & dedicated staff. It is unfortunate that small businesses are caught in the middle of a labour dispute that our industry has no part of. However, the passion of industry operators and professionals remain united, entrepreneurial, and resilient. We are all looking towards the path ahead, and rest assured ABLE BC will continue to support you in this endeavour. As such, I encourage you to take advantage of the important sections in today's update so that you are well equipped to navigate next steps while ABLE BC and our industry allies continues advocacy work simultaneously with our government partners & other stakeholders: - Industry Wide Survey (liquor + cannabis)
- More Products Now Available on Direct Delivery
- ABLE BC Messaging: Media & MLAs
If you have any questions or need assistance with an issue stemming from the BCGEU strike, please contact me directly: bo@ablebc.ca Sincerely, Bo ABLE BC |
Industry Wide Survey: Impacts of BCGEU Impact
In collaboration with our industry allies from other stakeholders in industry's supply chain for both liquor and cannabis, ABLE BC is encouraging members and operators to submit your feedback to this quick 5 minute Industry Wide Survey on the impacts of the BCGEU strike. By contributing your input, you are also ensuring that this joint effort across sectors provides clear and evident data that collectively demonstrates the impacts of the strike on our industry.
The survey will be closed Oct 18th, 2025. |
More Products Now Available on Direct Delivery (Liquor + Cannabis)
As ABLE BC emphasized in our last strike update (October 8th), industry is now seeing more products being made available on direct delivery channels for both liquor and cannabis. ABLE BC's Bo Chen commented:
" We're now seeing more efforts by licensees and producers to invest their focus into select products that are allowed on the direct delivery channels for both liquor and cannabis... I anticipate to see more options and offerings to become available soon as direct delivery producers continues to pivot and invest in that channel..."
ABLE BC is actively collaborating with our industry partners to compile existing lists of breweries, distilleries, and cannabis producers that are able to ship directly to licensees. Our aim is to help members navigate supply options during these times more easily and ensure that support for local brands in your communities are highlighted as well. The best way to minimize potential disruptions is to plan ahead. |
For Liquor: -
Craft Brewers: browse over 200 BC Craft Brewers Guild members and sort by city/community. Many currently offer direct delivery to Licensee Retail Stores (LRS) and licensees throughout the province for a selection of their products. Contact breweries directly to learn more about available products and delivery options.
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For Cannabis:
Craft Cannabis: browse BC Cannabis Alliance members that can ship directly to private cannabis stores in BC. Additionally, cannabis retailers can check out bcdd.ca/directory to see other direct delivery eligible cannabis products (Note: you need to sign-up and then get verified before you can have full access).
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ABLE BC Messaging - Media & MLAs: Industry Speaks Up |
ABLE BC is actively advocating on your behalf during the ongoing BCGEU strike. Our team has been working with media, government, and industry partners to highlight the serious impacts of distribution centre closures on small businesses and to push for fair, timely solutions.
Letter for MLAs - United Liquor Industry Voice
If your establishment is impacted by the BEGEU strikes, ABLE BC has prepared collective messaging for MLAs. Please reach out directly to Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca) Industry speaks up in Media:
Over the past several weeks, ABLE BC and our members have spoken with multiple news outlets, ensuring your concerns are front and centre in the public conversation, including: -
Global News: Restaurant industry warning over strike impact
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CBC News: Some private liquor businesses in B.C. struggle amid BCGEU strike
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City News: BCGEU strike approaches its seventh week
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CBC News: Local distilleries boost direct sales as ongoing strike hits B.C. liquor distribution
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Global News: Restaurants want to buy liquor from private stores during BCGEU strike
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CTV News: Millions of dollars’ worth of imported booze stuck in warehouses, as BCGEU strike cuts off access
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Global News - Morning with Simi: How is the BCGEU strike affecting restaurants?
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CFAX 1070: Strangled supply chain: how the BCGEU strike is impacting hospitality, cannabis industry heading into Thanksgiving long weekend
CBC News: BC should let restaurants, pubs buy liquor from private stores
Vancouver Sun: Metro Vancouver restaurants, bars keep pivoting as liquor strike continues
Global News: BCGEU Strikes Impacting Booze Biz
Castanet: Vernon cannabis retailer calls for union to stop picketing distribution warehouse -
Global News: Uncertainty looms as talks resume between BCGEU & the province this week
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City News: Liquor store employees join BCGEU picket lines
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CBC BC: 60% of this B.C. cannabis store's supply chain cut off by BCGEU strike
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Global News: BCGEU strike could lead to liquor supply shortages
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Global News: Strike expands to cannabis and liquor warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: Restaurants brace for 'widespread shortages' as BCGEU strike expands to liquor distribution warehouses
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Vancouver Sun: 'It's a mess for everybody': B.C. cannabis retailers on edge as strike hits warehouses.
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Vancouver Sun: B.C. public-sector workers expand strike to liquor, cannabis warehouses
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AM 1150: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
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MyNelsonNow: BCGEU workers strike at B.C. liquor and cannabis distribution sites
Bo comments: "It's important people understand what's at risk here for small businesses and
the dedicated community behind them. Our industry is caught in the middle of this labour dispute, so empowering small businesses with a voice is something
ABLE BC and our advocacy partners are proud to support." |
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Advocate for Our Industry & Join ABLE BC Today!
In critical moments like these, ABLE BC’s advocacy is more important than ever. We are your voice at the table, fighting to protect your business and ensure government understands the urgent needs of our industry.
By joining ABLE BC, you gain more than member benefits like discounts, services, and resources. You become part of a united front that amplifies our industry’s collective strength. Together, we create impact where it matters most: with decision-makers in government.
For over 50 years, ABLE BC has secured business-friendly policy wins. But we can’t do this work without our members. As a non-profit, your membership fees directly fuel our ability to safeguard your business today and for the future.
Join ABLE BC and strengthen our industry's voice.
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