The 2024 version of the BC Building Code, which came into effect on March 8, 2024, now mandates the installation of visual signal devices (strobe lights) in washrooms for restaurant projects outside of Vancouver as part of the fire alarm system design. This applies to new restaurants and existing restaurants that are undergoing renovations only. 

These devices are meant to assist in the safe evacuation of occupants who are deaf or hard of hearing, or in spaces where music and other sounds may reach higher-than-normal decibel levels. This requirement is new to the building code, and failing to address it during the project’s design stage could result in expensive change orders during construction and schedule delays. For more information contact our trusted partner and expert in this field, Archos Engineering Consultants.

Contact Archos Consultants

All Temporary Extended Service Areas (TESA) Expire December 31st, 2024

This is a reminder that the LCRB’s Temporary Extended Service Areas (TESAs) will expire on Dec 31/2024.  This means that businesses with TESA-licensed patios (from the pandemic era) must apply to the LCRB for permanent licensing for their patios.

LCRB staff mentioned to us that they haven’t received as many applications as they would expect and we strongly encourage those who have not secured their permanent patio licensing to reach out to us. We don’t want you to get caught without a patio next year!

You may have a summer patio permit from the City of Vancouver, but if it is a TESA, the patio area is no longer licensed by the LCRB / Province of British Columbia.

The good news is, that we are experts in successful patio applications and are ready to help you facilitate your permanent license.

Help me with my patio licensing

Bert Hick gets out of jail!

Bert Hick, along with some other well known Vancouverites, participated in a fundraiser for Crime Stoppers recently. Bert Hick was “arrested” by Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers on September 13th with the intention to raise bail money to contribute to a great fundraising effort.

We supported Crime Stoppers in this initiative as they are a non-profit organization that works hard to keep us safe in our communities. They rely on events like these to continue their operation that provides a safe and anonymous way to report criminal activity. Information that may not be reported due to fear of retaliation or involvement. Since the program’s inception, over 8,100 arrests have been made and over ½ a billion dollars and property has been recovered. 

Thank you to all who donated Bert’s bail money to get him released from ‘jail’, we are happy to have him back in the office!

Client Spotlight

The Seaside Hotel at the Shipyards in North Vancouver just completed a full Structural Change to double the size of their beautiful restaurant space. 

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Cristalina Parc Senior Living Facility in Kelowna just received full Food Primary licensing. This is Lakeview living at its finest, located just a block from Pandosy Waterfront Park and the boardwalk to Lake Okanagan.

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Cielito Lindo has approval for their liquor license so they can serve you some yummy margaritas with their upscale Mexican fare! Visit them at 122 West Hastings in Vancouver. 

What is a ‘PPE’ and should you have one?

A Patron Participation Entertainment Endorsement offers a variety of entertainment options, including: dancing, singing, stand-up comedy, open mike and trivia nights. You can also host dinner parties, weddings, and birthdays – provided that food service is available at all times and remains the primary focus of the establishment. This endorsement is valid until Midnight (no matter the hours of permitted operation listed on the licence.)

Congratulations to our valued clients Eldorado Hotel in Kelowna and Azur Hotel in Vancouver who just received their PPE approvals!

If you would like a PPE for your establishment, get in touch with us!

We are here to help

If you need guidance with your liquor licensing, cannabis licensing, compliance issues or business operations, get in touch with us! 

Contact Rising Tide

Rising Tide Consultants has been awarded Cannabis Licensing Consultants of the Year 2024 from Cannabis Business Insights! Our Founder and President, Bert Hick, was interviewed for a feature article in the current issue. 

“The people who regulate liquor are often the same individuals now overseeing cannabis at municipal and provincial levels,” Hick explains. “Our familiarity with them prepares us to guide upcoming cannabis businesses through every stage of their licensing, compliance and ongoing regulatory challenges.”

[Rising Tide Consultants] bridges the gap between government oversight and business operations, providing clients with guidance that is both practical and legally sound.

From Red Tape to Green Light

In Canada, a cannabis license—whether for retail, cultivation or processing—is considered a privilege, not a right. This fundamental principle underscores the rigorous scrutiny applied to every application, especially in British Columbia, where regulators are known for their cautious and thorough approach. The complex, multi-layered approval process involves the local government, the provincial government and sometimes even the B.C. Provincial Agricultural and Land Commission.

Hick’s approach to navigating this maze is refreshingly holistic. 

“It’s about knowing the people, policies, regulations and how to position an application,” Hick states. “We address the issues upfront, so when decision-makers review it, everything falls into line.”

Read full article here

As the Gastown pedestrian project nears its end, it is evident that the closure to road traffic was not the success that the City of Vancouver had hoped for when they launched their pilot for Summer 2024. 

Reduced street access has resulted in up to an estimated 20-50% decline in sales for some businesses. Some have reported that their sales now are worse than the days of the COVID-19 restrictions. 

The costs have far outweighed any benefits for this initiative and it is our hope that Vancouver City Council listens intently to the Gastown BIA and the business owners that have lost significant revenue due to the road closures if they are going to try another version of this in 2025.

More Information

Downtown Van Steps Up Security

Downtown Van has a new pilot program with Paladin Security. They will be deploying two full-time guards to patrol the Downtown Van district from 2PM to 10 PM, 7 days a week to work alongside the Downtown Safety Ambassadors to “address high-priority calls and enhance overall safety in the downtowncore.” Their Ambassadors will continue to focus on community safety with a hands-off approach, while these new guards will take on a more security-oriented role.

We wish to commend Downtown Van for this effort to protect the people and businesses of downtown Vancouver and improve the safety and security for all. 

More Information

A Patio License In Vancouver Will Cost You More Than Other Cities In Canada

During the pandemic, the City of Vancouver took positive steps to simplify and expand its patio program, allowing businesses to adapt more quickly. However, Vancouver small businesses still face high costs and lengthy wait times for approvals compared to other major municipalities across the country.

Vancouver small businesses are being charged up to $1,451 for a first-time sidewalk patio permit. See the recent research by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) for the patio comparison costs across Canada. 

Vancouver $1,102-$1,451 (4 weeks)

Calgary $116 (6 weeks)

Saskatoon $0 (3 weeks)

Winnipeg $0 (1 day)

Toronto $917 (8 weeks)

Ottawa $1,424 (2 weeks)

Montreal $1,065 (time varies)

“The City of Vancouver is on the right path, but more work needs to be done to ensure patio permits are affordable and issued in a timely manner,” said Emily Boston, CFIB’s BC Senior Policy Analyst. “Right now, it can take up to four weeks for a Vancouver business to get a patio permit approved, whereas Winnipeg sets the gold standard with same-day approvals.”

Rising Tide Consultants works closely with both Vancouver City Council and the LCRB to ensure that the needs of our clients is communicated clearly and we are in full support of these fees being brought into a more reasonable alignment with our other Canadian counterparts. 

Client Spotlight

Forged Axe in Victoria has just received approval for their new LP license Rising Tide Consultants is so happy that this is finally a reality after a significant amount of time and effort to bring this to fruition. We don’t know about you, but we think this experience is worth a road trip! Don’t miss their location in Whistler too!

The domestic food court at Vancouver International Airport just got a whole lot better!

Triple O’s now joins the lineup with their new Food Primary license. Waiting for your flight isn’t quite as stressful now with this yummy addition.

Ash Street Bistro Bar & Bistro now has full approval for their new patios at the Legacy Senior Living Facility on 41st Avenue in Vancouver. The patio is not just for residents and their friends and family, it is now open to the public. Reservations required – call 604.240.8550

Mayor Sim Casts Tie-Breaker Vote In Favour Of Natural Gas In New Construction

Rising Tide Consultants is in full support of Vancouver City Council’s recent decision to include the choice of renewable natural gas, natural gas, hydrogen fuels in home and business heating in new construction in the near future.

This is a win for industry and we are grateful to Council’s fair and progressive decision to allow affordable and sustainable options for restaurants to utilize renewable energy resources for their operations.

We Are Here To Help

If you need advice or guidance with your licensing challenges or business operations, get in touch with us. 

Contact Rising Tide

Rising Tide supports the introduction of licensed retail cannabis stores into the City of Surrey and we are available to process your applications correctly and expediently to meet the deadline of Sept 17, 2024.

The evaluation team will be considering the following in alignment with the approved policy framework:

• location
• separation distances
• related experiences of the operator
• parking and access plan
• visibility, lighting, design & CPTED elements

This is going to be a highly competitive process and the team at Rising Tide knows how to position your application for the best chance of receiving approval. We are here to help!

Contact Us

After many months of advocating on behalf of our valued clients, we are very pleased to announce that beginning August 20, 2024, an LRS licensee may apply to temporarily relocated their license if they meet the following criteria.

• Repairs are necessary because the store was substantially damaged by fire, flood, or other event beyond the licensee’s control; or
• Significant alterations to or renovations of the store are to be carried out by a person other than the licensee; or
• The licensee intends to carry out significant alterations to the store and has reasonable grounds to believe that it would be impractical to continue to operate while alterations or renovations are made.

The store may move within 250 meters of their current location, or outside of that area, the store must be 1KM distance from another LRS license. The change will allow LRS licensees to apply to temporarily relocate their store for five years. A one-time request may be made to extend operations at the temporary location for no more than two years.

For more information on how this can impact your business, contact us!

Contact Rising Tide

Good News For The City Of Burnaby

The City of Burnaby has recently been reviewing their Liquor and Cannabis policy framework to better streamline their approach to reviewing applications and aligning themselves more with the provincial regulations to reduce the workload upon their staff.

The Staff’s proposed policy update was approved during a Planning & Development Committee meeting on July 10th and is scheduled to be adopted July 23rd.

Staff are recommending policy positions, which reflect an approach in line with the following goals and objectives:

• to update the City’s guidelines and processes to better align with current LCRB policies;
• to create a clear and concise policy document, providing transparency and direction for the benefit of both applicants and City staff;
• to reduce Liquor and Cannabis application processing timelines and costs for applicants, creating a more favourable business environment for both small and large operators;
• to reduce Council time spent reviewing applications, which are deemed to be relatively innocuous from a public safety standpoint and elicit significant concerns from the public; and,
• to support Burnaby’s sustainability and complete community goals, by helping to provide a wide range of services and amenities throughout Burnaby.

The notable updates include:

• adding a maximum number of new public and Private Liquor or Cannabis store licences over a specific span of years
• allowing both Liquor stores and Cannabis stores to be located at least 1KM from another store of the same type, which is inline with the provincial moratorium
• updating zones C1, C2 and C3 to allow liquor or cannabis retail stores as an outright permitted use.

Unlike most other municipal distancing criteria, there was no mention in the updated policy framework that new cannabis retail stores will need to be any specific distance from sensitive use areas, such as schools, parks or community centres, which is surprisingly good news for operators.

Staff at the city have advised Rising Tide Consultants that they could start accepting applications immediately after adoption of the policy on July 23, however, applications would not be able to proceed to Council until the required bylaw amendments were in place, and noting the City will only accept an application for a retail cannabis store after the application is referred to the City from the Province.

For more information on this policy update, get in touch with us. We are here to help!

Contact Rising Tide

Client Spotlight

MacKenzie, BC is about to have it’s first Brewery! Rising Tide is proud to announce the approval for Mackchu Brewing’s new brewery license with tasting lounge. They will be open 9AM to 11PM daily so be sure to stop by for a refreshing, delicious brew once they are open. Coming Soon!

We are pleased to have worked with Vancouver’s Burrard Queen to obtain their Liquor Primary
license. This luxury charter yacht experience offers two spacious levels for up to 225 people
and can include lavish buffets or formal sit-down meals, live shows & music or even your own
theme party. Contact them today for your next special event!

New Restrictions On Plastic Containers Significantly Impact Stadiums In BC

As of July 15, 2024, there will be restrictions on certain plastics through B.C.’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation.

The current Liquor Primary Licence Terms and Conditions and Liquor Policy Manual require stadiums to serve liquor in disposable containers (e.g., plastic or paper) to ensure the safety of spectators.This change will require stadiums to comply with B.C.’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation when using plastic containers for serving liquor in stadiums.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Food Service Ware Factsheet
Use of Plastic Containers in Stadiums

We Are Here To Help

If you need advice or guidance with your licensing challenges or business operations, get in
touch with us.

Contact Rising Tide

As of July 15, 2024, there will be restrictions on certain plastics through B.C.’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation.

The current Liquor Primary Licence Terms and Conditions and Liquor Policy Manual require stadiums to serve liquor in disposable containers (e.g., plastic or paper) to ensure the safety of spectators. This change will require stadiums to comply with B.C.’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation when using plastic containers for serving liquor in stadiums.

Resources For More Information:

Food Service Ware Factsheet
Use of Plastic Containers in Stadiums

Questions? Contact us – we are here to help!

Contact Rising Tide

The recent report by Pacific Solutions Contracting commissioned by the British Columbia Restaurant & Food Services Association and the BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy shows that the cost could be upwards of $800,000 for an existing restaurant to convert to electricity from natural gas. This number includes all aspects of the process from hiring the experts required, new equipment, renovations, and installations, plus the revenue lost during the business interruption while all that is taking place.

The BCRFA is asking municipal governments to take this evaluation seriously and put the brakes on the zero carbon step code regulations that would ban the use of natural gas in new buildings ahead of provincial 2030 targets. Not only does this seriously question the economic impact on restaurants, but the feasibility of the proposal itself. Restaurants in 2024 do not have $800K sitting around in the bank; quite the opposite in fact.

Rising Tide Consultants support our friends at the BCRFA, calling for a common-sense approach to energy which includes electricity, natural gas and renewable natural gas.

Read more here

Big Win For BC Hospitality Industry

On the heels of the highly successful Save BC Restaurants campaign, the call for a designated single point of contact within government for the hospitality industry has now been answered.

Lana Popham has been appointed as the designated Provincial cabinet liaison for the hospitality sector. Having to engage with numerous ministries and government agencies in the past, restaurants and other stakeholders in the hospitality sector have faced significant challenges in addressing legislative and regulatory concerns. Now with a designated point person within government, the communication will be streamlined to one individual who will have a complete picture of all industry challenges.\

Good News For Brewery Lounges

We were very pleased to see that the City of Vancouver Council approved to not enforce the Zoning and Development By-law maximum floor area restrictions for Brewery lounges for the next two years. This is another step in the right direction for the support of growth and deregulation for Vancouver. Rising Tide Consultants is proud to be a member of the Hospitality Sector Working Group collaborating with the council on these important changes!

Client Spotlight

Congratulations to our esteemed clients of the Toptable Restaurant Group. It has our pleasure to work with you on your liquor licensing over the years. Marilena of Victoria has claimed the #1 spot in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants! Elisa has earned Gold for Vancouver Magazine’s Best Steakhouse!

Federal Health Minister Listens To BC Craft Cannabis Farmers

The federal Minister of Health has agreed with the proposal from BC craft cannabis farmers to lift unfair production and processing limits on craft farmers, micro-processors and nurseries, by proposing to increase the amount of cannabis that can be cultivated and/or processed by craft farmers and micro-processors by a factor of four.

Read more here

New Regulations For Gig Workers – Workers Could See A Rise In Costs And A Decline In Business

On June 12, 2024, the government of BC announced regulations to provide fairness, minimum-wage measures and basic protections for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers in British Columbia. The regulations, a first in Canada, will come into effect on Sept. 3, 2024. They will apply to those who work for apps such as Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, SkiptheDishes, DoorDash and others.

The regulations address the top concerns raised by workers, including:

• Low and unpredictable pay: The regulation sets a minimum wage for engaged time, and a minimum per-kilometre vehicle allowance to compensate workers for their vehicle expenses.
• Lack of workers compensation: All ride-hailing and delivery workers will be covered through WorkSafeBC.
• Lack of transparency: Companies must allow workers to see the locations and
• estimated pay associated with a job before workers accept it.
• Unfair deactivations and suspension: Companies must tell workers why they are being suspended or terminated. If they are terminated without cause, they must be given notice or compensation.
• Tip protection: Companies must pay 100% of tips provided by the customer to the worker.

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, has issued the following statement: “Companies in B.C. already contend with some of the highest costs and strictest regulatory and tax environments in North America. We are concerned that the new regulations will impose additional burdens and reduce flexibility, inevitably leading to even higher costs for transportation and food delivery services. These new regulations also risk resulting in less work for ride-hailing and food delivery workers and ultimately lower overall wages…”

Questions? Contact us – We are here to help!

If you need advice or guidance with your licensing challenges or business operations, get in
touch with us. We are here to help!

Contact Rising Tide

On June 12, 2024, the government of BC announced regulations to provide fairness, minimum-wage measures and basic protections for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers in British Columbia. The regulations, a first in Canada, will come into effect on Sept. 3, 2024. They will apply to those who work for apps such as Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, SkiptheDishes, DoorDash and others.

The regulations address the top concerns raised by workers, including:

• Low and unpredictable pay: The regulation sets a minimum wage for engaged time, and a minimum per-kilometre vehicle allowance to compensate workers for their vehicle expenses.

• Lack of workers compensation: All ride-hailing and delivery workers will be covered through WorkSafeBC.

• Lack of transparency: Companies must allow workers to see the locations and estimated pay associated with a job before workers accept it.

• Unfair deactivations and suspension: Companies must tell workers why they are being suspended or terminated. If they are terminated without cause, they must be given notice or compensation.

• Tip protection: Companies must pay 100% of tips provided by the customer to the worker.

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, has issued the following statement: “Companies in B.C. already contend with some of the highest costs and strictest regulatory and tax environments in North America. We are concerned that the new regulations will impose additional burdens and reduce flexibility, inevitably leading to even higher costs for transportation and food delivery services.  These new regulations also risk resulting in less work for ride-hailing and food delivery workers and ultimately lower overall wages…”

Read Article Here

On the heels of the highly successful ‘Save BC Restaurants’ campaign, the call for a designated single point of contact within government for the hospitality industry has now been answered.

On June 4, 2024, Lana Popham was appointed as the designated Provincial cabinet liaison for the hospitality sector.

“Restaurants are such an important part of the fabric of our communities and our local economies, and we know the last few years have been tough on the industry,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “I am excited to be the point person into government for the BC Restaurants & Foodservices Association and Restaurants Canada to make it easier for the industry to access the support it needs.”

Having to engage with numerous ministries and government agencies in the past, restaurants and other stakeholders in the hospitality sector have faced significant challenges in addressing legislative and regulatory concerns. Now with a designated point person within government, the communication will be streamlined to one individual who will have a complete picture of all industry challenges. 

“We’re incredibly excited to work with Minister Popham,” said BCRFA President & CEO Ian Tostenson. “The Province has always been willing to listen to our concerns and work with restaurants to implement sensible changes – with today’s announcement, we’re looking forward to doing even more.”

This appointment builds on additional supports provided by government such as the Securing Small Business Rebate program, the cap on food delivery fees, providing more time to make temporary patios permanent, and wholesale liquor pricing saving food service businesses $244.9 million to date. In addition, government doubled the exemption threshold for the Employer Health Tax from $500,000 to $1M and prorated the tax for businesses with between $1 million – $1.5 million in payroll so now 90% of businesses will be exempt from the EHT.

We at Rising Tide Consultants are very pleased to see the positive steps in the right direction for our hospitality industry that has struggled very hard ever since the pandemic. Slowly, but surely, we are seeing things turn around for BC restaurants. 

The recent report by @pacificsolutionscontracting commissioned by the @bcrfa and the BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy, shows that the cost could be upwards of $800,000 for an existing restaurant to convert to electricity from natural gas. This number includes all aspects of the process from hiring the experts required, new equipment, renovations, and installations, plus the revenue lost during the business interruption while all that is taking place.

The BCRFA is asking municipal governments to take this evaluation seriously and put the brakes on the zero carbon step code regulations that would ban the use of natural gas in new buildings ahead of provincial 2030 targets. Not only does this seriously question the economic impact on restaurants, but the feasibility of the proposal itself. Restaurants in 2024 do not have $800K sitting around in the bank; quite the opposite in fact. 

Rising Tide Consultants support our friends at the BCRFA, calling for a common-sense approach to energy which includes electricity, natural gas and renewable natural gas. 

For the full article: https://www.biv.com/news/hospitality-marketing-tourism/bc-restaurants-could-not-afford-natural-gas-ban-report-8892145