BIABC Media Releases

For Immediate Release
October 20, 2025

During Small Business Week, BIABC Urges Province
to Match Words with Action on Liquor Policy

Vancouver, BC – As communities across the province celebrate Small Business Week (October 19–25), the Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia (BIABC) is calling on the provincial government to pair its recognition of small business with concrete policy action -  starting with modernizing BC’s outdated liquor rules.

Small Business Week is a time to rally behind the entrepreneurs who give BC communities their vibrancy and character. However, the Association is also advocating a number of practical measures that would strengthen small business resilience, including:

  • A tariff response plan that expands the Buy BC Program and local sourcing opportunities & removing interprovincial trade barriers to improve market access.
  • Address chronic offenders – violent and non-violent – through stronger bail and sentencing conditions to improve community safety.
  • Advance a clear red-tape reduction agenda to cut costs and boost efficiency.
  • Offset the costs of mandatory five-day paid sick leave, which require businesses to pay both employees and backfill costs.

There is also one significant and longstanding issue that was exposed during the BCGEU strike – BC’s liquor policy supply chain. Under current rules, restaurants and pubs must purchase all alcohol through the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), leaving them without alternative supply options during disruptions. A 2018 Business Technical Advisory Panel on Liquor Policy recommended allowing restaurants to buy directly from private stores — a straightforward administrative change that remains unimplemented.

“Acknowledging small businesses is important, but the government also has practical tools at its disposal that would make a real difference,” said Jeremy Heighton, President of BIABC. “Allowing direct purchases from private liquor stores would provide supply resilience, reduce costs, and send a clear signal that the province is serious about supporting small businesses.”

Of the more than 15,000 restaurants operating in BC, over 90% are small businesses, many of them independent, family-run operations. These businesses are especially vulnerable to supply disruptions and rising costs.

The liquor policy issue comes at a time when small businesses are grappling with unprecedented economic pressures, as highlighted by a recent BIABC survey:

  • 95% of businesses report rising costs over the past five years, with nearly half facing increases of more than 20%.
  • 61% report declining profit margins.
  • 39% don’t believe they can continue operating successfully beyond two years, and more than half only see a four-year runway.

Top cost drivers include payroll and benefits (70%), cost of goods (58%), leases or mortgages (50%), insurance (49%), and property taxes (45%).

BIABC is also urging British Columbians to show their support for small businesses by shopping directly with them.

“When you shop local, you’re doing more than making a purchase - you’re investing in families, supporting local jobs, and strengthening the heartbeat of your neighbourhood,” said Heighton. “Now is the time to show up for the businesses that show up for our communities every day.”

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For any media enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231

 

 

Past Media Releases

BIABC Welcomes Federal Bail Reform as Important Step Toward Safer Communities and Stronger Support for Small Businesses

October 17, 2025

Labour Disputes Underscore Urgent Need to Modernize Provincial Liquor Laws, Says BIABC

October 10, 2025

BIABC Supports UBCM Call for Permanent Housing Policy Roundtable

October 7, 2025

BIABC Labour Day Message: Businesses and Staff Need Safe, Secure Workplaces

August 25, 2025

BIABC Seeks Update on Provincial Government Tariff Response

July 22, 2025

BIABC Provides Input to Pre-Budget Process

June 24, 2025

BIABC Provides Input to Employment Standards Amendment Act

June 10, 2025

Survey Results Show Businesses Shifting Away From American Suppliers Even if it Comes at a Higher Cost

April 23, 2025

Businesses Surveyed to Establish Levels of Shift to Non-American Distributors

April 7, 2025

BC Budget a Missed Opportunity to Support Small Businesses as Tariff Impacts Set In

March 4, 2025

Threat of US Tariffs Create BC Budget Uncertainty but Underscores Need to Support Businesses

February 25, 2025

BIABC Embraces ‘Shop Local’ and ‘Buy Canadian’ But Cautions Against Unintended Consequences That May Harm Local Businesses

February 19, 2025

BIABC Calls on NDP Government to Support Business in the Face of Sweeping Tariffs

January 16, 2025

BIABC Urging Consumers to Rally Around Local Business

December 2, 2024

BIABC Announces New President

November 28, 2024

Critical Issues of Public Safety and Cost of Living Demand Urgent Response from New NDP Government

Octobe 30, 2024

BIABC Statement on Secure Care commitments in advance of Provincial Election

September 17, 2024

BIABC seeks commitments from BC's Political Parties to address critical safety & financial concerns impacting small business owners across the province

September 9, 2024

BIABC Labour Day Message: Business Owners and Front-line Staff Need a Safe Work Environment

August 27, 2024

Impact of Crime & Vandalism and the Cost of Doing Business Focal Points of BIABC Conference

April 23, 2024

Budget 2024 Brings Little Meaningful Relief to Cirtical Issues of Street Crime & the Cost of Doing Business

February 22, 2024

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