Important Update: Industry Calls for Emergency Measures & Today's Strike Update

Important: Industry Calls for Emergency Measures & Today's Strike Update

Dear ABLE BC Members & Industry Allies,

This morning, ABLE BC joined the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, BC Craft Brewers Guild, Restaurants Canada, IVSA, and Wines of BC for a joint press conference in downtown Vancouver.

Our associations are demanding immediate emergency measures to halt the serious economic damage being caused by the BCGEU strike on the province's liquor and cannabis distribution system.

We have united to sound the alarm about an industry on the brink of collapse due to a BCGEU strike that has cut off access to products from LDB distribution channels and office functions.

An industry survey is underway, currently with over 500 respondents, revealing that the strike is taking a massive economic toll on local businesses. Thank you to everyone who has already completed the survey.

As of October 17, 2025:

76% are facing workforce reductions
- Over 6% have already made layoffs
- 41% will lay off staff if the strike continues
- 29% have already reduced employee hours

78% fear business closure
- 40% are worried about their business viability now
- Another 37% will be if the strike continues

66% experiencing significant cost increases

27% have over $100,000 in inventory trapped in warehouses, unable to reach consumers

The coalition estimates the strike has already cost industry over $250 million in liquor sales.

The coalition is calling for emergency measures and distribution flexibility to get liquor & cannabis products flowing again during our busiest season.

Please read and share the full press release here.

If you have any questions or need assistance with an issue stemming from the BCGEU strike, please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca.

Province and BCGEU Will Enter Into Mediation

This morning, BC government announced that they will enter into mediation with the BCGEU

in an effort to find a resolution to the current dispute between the parties that has resulted in the public-service strike.

The BCGEU says, "The parties expect mediation to begin as soon as possible. While mediation proceeds, BCGEU members will maintain picket lines across the province to demonstrate continued resolve. As the process is non-binding, any tentative agreement reached through mediation will be presented to BCGEU members for a vote before it is finalized."

ABLE BC's Bo Chen comments:

"It's encouraging news and even more so if a resolution is reached in an efficient manner. I want to remind our members and rest of industry that even when things return to normal, there are significant delays in starting distribution operations back up and running to meet the immediate demands of industry. This is why we're thinking ahead and collectively demanding emergency measures and distribution flexibility to get liquor and cannabis products flowing again during our busiest season. I highly recommend members to continue to collaborate with industry's direct delivery partners during this transition period and of course even outside of this strike going forward."

We will continue to keep you updated as more details become available.

More Products Now Available on Direct Delivery

As ABLE BC emphasized in our October 8 strike update, 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.
Craft Distillers: browse Craft Distiller's Guild of BC members that can ship direct to BC licensees and LRS stores.
BC Wines: browse Wine Growers British Columbia member wineries that can ship directly to private liquor stores across BC. Additionally, retailers can visit WineBC.com to explore a list of all BC wineries and cideries.
Additionally, ABLE BC's partner Liquify Solutions: offers listings of direct delivery products and resources to help licensees. For more details reach out to either rod@liquify.ca or support@liquify.ca.

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).

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.

JOIN ABLE BC TODAY