LCRB UPDATE, ADVOCACY UPDATE AND MORE |
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Liquor Industry Update: May 29, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues, Here's the latest news for the private liquor industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: Ask an Expert: Western Financial Group - Planning for the Unexpected: Longer Coverage for Stronger Recovery Cannabis Corner: Upcoming Survey and Townhall - Out and About with ABLE BC
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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LCRB Update: Direct Delivery Date Extension - BC Manufacturers The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has amended the Manufacturer licence terms and conditions to extend the authorization for B.C. manufacturers to deliver directly to retail customers from their on-site store or registered off-site storage facilities up to and including June 30, 2027.
This temporary measure does not authorize liquor manufacturers to sell liquor from their off-site storage locations.
Retail Customers are still required to complete transactions through a licensee’s on-site store, online, or by telephone.
Retail Customers will not be able to physically purchase products at off-site storage locations.
Read Bulletin 25-03 here for the more information.
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Advocacy Update - ABLE BC & Ministry of Public Safety |
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Earlier this week, ABLE BC met Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General, Honourable Garry Begg in Victoria to advocate on behalf of BC's private liquor licensees. During the meeting, ABLE BC's leadership team continued to commit to industry's priorities as it pertains to the Ministry's mandate and also focused on our sector's top developments:
• For Liquor Retail Stores (LRS): ABLE BC Director and LRS Committee Chair, Mike McKee (JAK's) and fellow industry leader & valued member Keith Barbon (Cascadia) raised licensees' concerns surrounding the serious implications of allowing liquor-to-go retail in convenience stores. In our view, this avenue poses a risk to both BC's public safety and would be a detriment to the foundation of responsible liquor consumption that ABLE BC and our industry operators across the province have been building towards for decades. We also raised concerns on the consequential effects on employment for the province as BC's small businesses and local hospitality sectors would continue to be negatively impacted.
• For Liquor Primaries (LPs): ABLE BC President, Yvan Charette spoke at length in support of streamlining existing regulations for LPs and yet also focused on the importance of preserving the distinction and unique qualities of a LP licence in a modernized setting. Yvan also raised industry's need for a fair and levelled field on policy enforcement between different licensed liquor establishments, elaborating on the experiences from both his own hospitality tenure and that of our LP members. Yvan: "Our message at the table has been clear: age-appropriate separation between license types must remain. The fundamental differences between LP and FP license classes matter — and preserving those distinctions is essential for a balanced and responsible regulatory framework."
The ABLE BC Team reiterated our core mission to represent BC's private liquor sector and also our continued commitment to collaborate together with our government partners to progress towards a responsible yet modern liquor & hospitality landscape for the province.
As a result of a productive meeting (one of many to come), ABLE BC President Yvan Charette had this to say to share with ABLE BC Members:
"These are the most critical challenges facing our sector at the moment, and I'm assuring our fellow members that ABLE BC is actively monitoring the processes and advocating firmly on your behalf."
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ABLE BC In Victoria! After a long day of successful government affairs work, the ABLE BC Team celebrated by hosting a fun evening at one of our local member's venues in downtown Victoria - Irish Times Pub ! As members gathered from the region to share a meal, a few drinks, and some laughter amongst industry colleagues, we remained focused on sharing our insight on ABLE BC's progressing advocacy work and listening to the perspectives and unique business challenges of stakeholders from the industry. A huge THANK YOU to our industry friends and sponsors for supporting this event and providing assistance on solutions for ABLE BC's membership: Irish Times Pub Community Savings Credit Union Western Financial Group Pure Sunfarms |
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People Working Well The CMHA BC and go2HR have created a resource for tourism and hospitality employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for cannabis retailers. Click here to read past cannabis newsletters. |
| ABLE BC Member Portal The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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Reminder: Minimum Wage Increase On June 1, 2025, BC’s minimum wage will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, a 2.6% change. This follows the changes made in Spring 2024 to the Employment Standards Act, which mandated annual wage increases.
We know it is a challenging time to increase costs for businesses. However, tying minimum wage to inflation is a win for industry that ABLE BC pushed for in recent years. Regular, predictable, and small increases make budgeting and planning for your business easier.
We recognize the financial pressure our members are under and will continue to work with government on relief measures and other solutions that will help your business thrive. |
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New from Bartier Bros.: Pristine Made in BC. Grown in Washington. Following severe crop losses from the Okanagan freezes in December 2022 and January 2024, Bartier Bros. sourced premium fruit from Washington State to maintain production without compromising quality. After careful vineyard selection, Bartier Bros. launched Pristine this spring—a new line of seven wines that have vibrant fruit, freshness and balance that define the Pristine style. Pristine wines are made in Oliver, BC using grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills, and Wahluke Slope AVAs in the Columbia Valley. Pristine wines offer consistency, freshness, and very friendly pricing—ideal for by-the-glass pours, seasonal features, and retail shelves. Bartier Bros. has produced seven different wines (four whites, three rosés) under the Pristine label with all seven Pristine SKUs wholesaling for $13.42 per bottle (12 x 750ml bottles per case) and suggested retail of $17.99-$19.99. 2024 Pristine Wines: • Pristine White – Columbia Valley AVA | SKU 285630 • Pristine Rosé – Columbia Valley AVA | SKU 243475 • Pristine Sauvignon Blanc – McNary Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills AVA | SKU 285633 • Pristine Riesling – Zillah Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills AVA | SKU 285622 • Pristine Chardonnay – Soaring Eagle Vineyard, Wahluke Slope AVA | SKU 285625 • Pristine Vin Gris – Zillah Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills AVA | SKU 285616 • Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé – Columbia Valley AVA For more info and to order please contact: wine@bartierbros.com |
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Support the BCHF: Hospitality With Heart Launching this June, Hospitality With Heart is a new initiative inviting hospitality and tourism businesses to support the BCHF through a week- or month-long fundraising campaign. Participating is easy—get involved by featuring a special menu item, donating a portion of sales from a glass or bottle, or contributing through a dollar-per-case program. Learn more and explore how you can take part:
www.bchospitalityfoundation.com/hospitality-with-heart |
Partner with ABLE BC: New Associate Membership Tiers ABLE BC's Manager of Membership and Events, Jesse Sidhu, has re-vamped our associate membership offerings. The new tiers bring more value to suppliers and service providers of BC's liquor and cannabis industries, and amp up the benefits and perks available to ABLE BC liquor and cannabis licensee members. ABLE BC Associates can now choose from one of three membership tiers that best fit their business needs and goals. To review your options and to see which membership would be best for you, please email Jesse Sidhu at jesse@ablebc.ca
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Ask an Expert: Western Financial Group Planning for the Unexpected: Longer Coverage for Stronger Recovery In British Columbia, each summer brings its own set of challenges — and in recent years, wildfires have become an increasingly serious threat to communities and businesses across the province. For beverage focused licensees, the risk of disruption is real and growing. At Western Financial Group, we understand the unique pressures that natural disasters place on BC’s liquor and hospitality sector. Business Interruption Insurance is a critical safety net when operations are halted — but many policies only provide 12 months of coverage. For operations that are in remote or high-risk areas, that may not be enough in the event of a total loss. Rebuilding after a wildfire can take far longer than expected. From initial downtime to construction delays, supply chain issues, and permitting hurdles, recovery often stretches well beyond a year. That’s why we encourage operators to review their policies and consider extending the coverage limits to 24 or even 36 months indemnity— ensuring financial stability throughout the full recovery process. Whether you’re insured through the Hospitality Insurance Program with Western or not, both ABLE and Western are here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Our shared goal is to support the resilience of BC’s liquor and hospitality industry — today and into the future. If you have questions about your current coverage or want to explore your options, we’re just a call away at 1-866-665-8990 or [westernfinancialgroup.ca/hip]westernfinancialgroup.ca/hip Western Financial Group — Canada ’s leading hospitality insurance experts |
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Cannabis Corner Exclusive Offers & Savings for Cannabis Members: Greenline - A BLAZE Company Together with our advocacy partners from Greenline, a BLAZE company — ABLE BC is proud to announce the exclusive offerings and savings on point of sale solutions for our cannabis members! What Does This Mean for ABLE BC Cannabis Members? POS Solutions for cannabis retailers: Greenline's platform includes point-of-sale, e-commerce, integrated payment processing through BLAZEPAY, and a CMS website builder with BLAZE Sites Exclusive Offers & Savings for ABLE BC Members: 20% discount savings off standard listed prices to ABLE BC members for BLAZE’s cannabis retail point of sale software, systems, and subscription services: Point of Sale, BLAZE ECOM, and BLAZE Mobile App! Curious about savings & offers for your cannabis business? Contact bo@ablebc.ca. |
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OUT AND ABOUT WITH ABLE BC!!! |
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Industry event May 26th, Irish Times Pub: Top Left (President of ABLE BC Yvan Charette with Anthony Boyles and Paul Simpson of Top Shelf Hospitality); Middle: Full House at Irish Times Pub. Bottom Left: BCHA having a good time at the Industry Event, along with Pure Sunfarms, bottom right. |
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Bo Chen (Interim Executive Director with Owen Coomer, Owner of Barn Country Pub |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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