BC Liquor Industry Unites

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) has announced a new agreement with the BC Private Liquor Store Association (BCPLSA) so that all of BC’s private liquor stores will once again be represented by one association.

ABLE BC and the BCPLSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) whereby the BCPLSA will officially cease operations and encourage its members to join ABLE BC.

ABLE BC is BC’s leading liquor industry advocate representing the interests of private liquor stores, bars, pubs, and hotels. The BCPLSA was created in 2015 to focus exclusively on liquor retail issues.

Poma Dhaliwal, president of ABLE BC, says, “Both parties believe this agreement is a necessary and positive step forward for our industry. It will allow ABLE BC to best represent our members’ interests by articulating one vision for the private liquor industry.”

Both organizations have been advocating for the sale of recreational cannabis in liquor stores via the Responsible Marijuana Retail Alliance.

ABLE BC will continue working on that issue as well as maintaining the 1-km distance rule and LRS license moratorium, and allowing BC’s liquor stores to sell to pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Within the next two years, ABLE BC will be changing its name and rebranding once again. This association started as the Neighbourhood Pub Owners Association of BC, then transitioned to the BC Liquor Licensee & Retailers Association to recognize Licensee Retail Stores, and in 2004 was renamed the Alliance of Beverage Licensees when it became affiliated with the BC & Yukon Hotels’ Association.