Meet the ABLE BC Board of Directors: Lorne Folick, Director-at-Large
Lorne Folick has been elected by the Board as a Director-at-Large to bring another viewpoint and area of expertise to ABLE BC. Unlike the other ABLE Board members, Lorne is not an owner or operator of a liquor establishment himself. However, his expertise is an invaluable asset to the ABLE Board of Directors, members, and BC's private liquor industry as a whole. We are lucky to have had Lorne sit on the Board since 2015 and he is looking forward to his continued work with ABLE.
Lorne, a founding partner at Dolden Wallace Folick LLP, specializes in liquor liability and hospitality risks, and he brings value to ABLE members in a variety of ways. Lorne has been a speaker at many of our events, webinars, and conferences. He offers expert advice to our members on insurance and market issues, risk management, pricing, and more. He also has extensive board and governance experience and can provide guidance around strategic planning.
Click here to read more about the trial and appeal judgments that Lorne has been involved in. He has also published a textbook on liquor liability, Liquor and Host Liability Law in Canada, that is currently being updated for a 2nd edition set for release in late 2022. The 2nd edition will be expanded to include cannabis liability.
Over the pandemic, Lorne has been impressed with the accomplishments that Jeff Guignard and the ABLE Board of Directors have achieved. Some wins that stand out in particular are permanent wholesale pricing for hospitality members and allowing retailers to sell to Special Event Permit holders. In his role as Director-at-Large, Lorne will be focused on supporting Jeff and the Board as they work on current policy priorities. He will be an integral resource while the Board plans for the future and develops growth strategies.
One particular challenge for our industry that Lorne sees is the ability to secure and stabilize the insurance marketplace. Securing coverage for many of our members has been tumultuous, so Lorne will be using his insurance knowledge and experience to help secure more stable pricing. ABLE BC has a strong Board and talented Executive Director who is both purposeful and strategic, so Lorne has great confidence in what we will be able to achieve in the coming years.
Lorne has a keen interest in BC wine, and he continues to be impressed with the quality of not just the wines, but of the food and travel culture that has developed alongside. When Lorne isn’t working, you’ll find him enjoying a glass of Little Engine’s Pinot Noir, snowboarding down the hills of Whistler, or admiring the work of BC artists like Drew Burnham.
