Meet the ABLE BC Board of Directors: Trevor Kaatz, Director

Trevor Kaatz has been an ABLE BC Board Member for several years, now serving his third term. Even before joining the board, Trevor has been an ABLE member for about 17 years and has volunteered at and participated in several ABLE events. He first got involved with the Alliance as a partner in the Queen’s Cross Pub and liquor store, and now he is also a partner in The Wicklow pub. On top of ownership of two pubs and a liquor store, Trevor is a lawyer based in Vancouver with experience in liquor policy, licensing, and regulatory law. 

Trevor is a big supporter of neighbourhood pubs. He’s seen first-hand the role pubs play in building community and connection, and he has always admired how friendly and welcoming the industry is. He is proud to be a part of an organization that supports local pubs and the private liquor industry as a whole. Trevor may not have a lot of experience behind the bar – he’s poured a beer or two at busy events, but his SIR certificate isn’t in high demand at the moment – but he plays a key role on ABLE’s Board of Directors bringing his liquor licensing and policy expertise to meetings. 

As a Director on the ABLE Board, Trevor is focused on finding efficiencies and supporting Executive Director Jeff Guignard's important government relations work. Trevor knows that the road to recovery, especially for our liquor primary members, will be long and difficult. Some of the key challenges he plans to put focus on are the labour crisis and rising inflation costs. Trevor is proud of the advocacy work ABLE has done over the pandemic. In particular, ABLE’s involvement in pushing for urgent financial supports like the $300 million Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant and the $125 million Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant. 

When he’s not working, Trevor enjoys kicking back with a crisp BC cider, particularly Big Dry from Left Field Cider Co. And while it’s been a few years since his ski instructor days, you can still catch him on the slopes in the winter enjoying the fresh powder with his wife and kids.