The Government Minors as Agents Program is targeting Cannabis Stores and if you are caught in non-compliance, it will cost you thousands of dollars!
The team at Rising Tide Consultants travels across the province to audit the existing policies and procedures of cannabis stores to ensure they have the best defence of due diligence in cases of compliance or enforcement issues. We then provide a comprehensive report detailing any inefficiencies found during the onsite visit and suggestions to resolve any potential issues.
We also offer presentations to cannabis store staff on how the MAP works. This ensures they know what to expect and look for in the “setup” of the trap and forewarning and how to set the team up for success if they are targeted.
The Branch is sending minors into cannabis establishments to see if they can catch staff members selling cannabis to a minor. If the minor is caught just on the premises, even without a transaction, the fine could be $3,000 to $7,000.This can be compounded if the minor is successful in purchasing cannabis without being asked for ID, with an additional penalty of $7,000 to $11,000. If the business is caught in non-compliance again, it could result in a potential 11-day suspension of their license or a $7,000 to $11,000 fine for having a minor on the premises and a $11,000 to $15,000 fine for a minor purchasing cannabis. There are even higher penalties for a 3rd offence!
Rising Tide Consultants can provide you with informative resources to help you stay one step ahead of the Branch.
Reach out to us if you would like our help to avoid the harsh penalties of the Minors as Agents Program.
Vancouver City Council met Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023 on some very important issues for Industry.
We are proud to be a member of the Hospitality Task Force with key industry partners, including the BCRFA, ABLE BC, Restaurants Canada, The Craft Brewer’s Guild and the BCHA that has been advocating to the city on the following key issues. We are pleased to report some impactful wins! Vancouver is no longer “No Fun City.”
The existing licensing moratoriums for Granville Street, Chinatown and Gastown have been eliminated so those areas of Vancouver are now open for new business licenses or expansion of existing licensed establishments.
“With respect to the moratorium on Granville Street, my view is moratoriums just prop up the dinosaurs, it does not allow for creativity, innovation, and a new opportunity to breathe life in. You’re just propping up the cheap bars, with cheap drinks, and you end up with drunks. I think you need to have that creativity and innovation to allow us to compete with other cities.” ~Bert Hick, Founder and President Rising Tide Consultants
The distancing requirements of licensed establishments has also been eliminated, clearing the way for more licensed establishments of similar size.
The licensing of retail business with liquor primary licenses, such as Spas, Beauty Salons and Retail Stores has now been approved. This will allow for these types of businesses to serve alcohol to their patrons along with their regular retail business.
These are very positive outcomes and we are proud to have been an integral part of bringing these changes to the City of Vancouver. We promise to continue our mission to streamline processes, slash red tape and eliminate antiquated policies for the benefit of our tourism and hospitality industries.
Think the Minors As Agents Program doesn’t apply to you? Think again
The ‘Minors as Agents’ program is ramping up inspections and enforcement. Are you prepared? Rising Tide provides support, knowledge and expertise in all facets of liquor licensing, compliance and enforcement issues. One of the hot topics facing the industry right now is the MINORS AS AGENTS program.
Although it is commonly thought that retail liquor stores are the main targeted businesses for this initiative, it actually applies to all liquor primary, food primary, restaurants, pubs, cannabis stores as well as retail liquor stores.
The Minors as Agents program is funded and regulated by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, whereby “youthful-appearing adults” are recruited to attempt to purchase liquor on the Branch’s behalf from businesses selling liquor or cannabis. The youthful appearance of the agents is intended to raise concerns by employees as to whether or not the agents were minors and proceed to require two pieces of proper identification before the purchase of liquor or cannabis is allowed. The issue is the agents can often appear older, and if a judgment call is made to not ask for ID, the business can be in some very hot water.
The first infraction is a $7,000 FINE or 7 day suspension. If you pay this fine and the infraction goes on your permanent record, then your second or subsequent infractions within a calendar year (and you can be sure that they will be targeting your establishment again) could result in a higher fine or up to a 21-DAY SUSPENSION of your liquor license.
Rising Tide Consultants are experts on this program, so we can help your business take measures to protect against the risks and penalties and, if necessary, fight a non-compliance charge alongside you. We also do audits of licensed establishments to make sure they can pass a routine inspection by ensuring the proper policies and procedures are in place. Contact us now and learn how to avoid falling victim to this targeted program. Government is increasing its focus and has been ramping up inspections and enforcement last year, and it will be continuing in 2023.
Rising Tide can provide you with updated Policy and Procedure manuals, training on ID protocols and placement of appropriate ID signage within your establishment so that your staff are armed with the right information and training to lay the proper groundwork to avoid penalties or dispute a charge if you are caught in non-compliance.
We’re here to help. Contact Us Your Initial Consultation is Complimentary.
Over the course of the last couple of years, quite a few things have changed in the world. Because of the pandemic, fewer people have been going out to bars and coffee shops than before, although it’s slowly starting to revert. The beverage industry, and cannabis industry, have changed to meet the needs of today’s consumers. Let’s look at some of the top trends for both alcohol and cannabis in the coming year.
2022 Alcohol Trends
What can you expect to see in the world of alcohol in the coming year? There are some continuing trends, as well as some things you might not expect.
More Online Alcohol Sales
One of the biggest changes that have occurred, and that is likely here to stay, is the use of ecommerce for alcohol sales. Even though it was possible to buy alcohol online before the pandemic, it truly became popular during the height of COVID-19 because people were sheltering at home. They found that they could order alcohol online and they did… in droves. Even though more people are going out to bars and restaurants again, the trend of ordering alcohol online and having it delivered will likely stay.
Continuing Popularity of Whiskey
Whiskey has been popular for quite a while, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. People are not only drinking more whiskey, but they are trying out new brands and styles, learning about the way whiskey is made, how it’s stored, and more. The love and appreciation of whiskey are now similar to what wine lovers experience.
Many distilleries are popping up, and they often provide limited releases and special releases, which consumers love. They enjoy trying out new options and debating on their merits and flaws. It’s becoming a lifestyle, and you can be sure that the popularity will continue for years to come.
Celebrity Alcohol Brands Will Continue
Celebrities have been endorsing products since the beginning. Sometimes, they endorse or even own brands, including alcohol brands. Some of the popular names involved in the alcohol industry include Ryan Reynolds, Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey, Brad Paisley, Bruno Mars, and Snoop Dogg to name just a few. You can expect to see even more of these celebrity-owned and endorsed brands in the future because they tend to do well.
More Trendy Beverages for 2022
You should also see a rise in the number of premium canned cocktails being made available by spirit distillers, along with more hard seltzers. Additionally, more and more people are becoming interested in hard coffee and hard kombucha. Interestingly, there is even rising popularity for low and no alcohol beverages for people who like to go out and be social, but who do not want to drink much.
Boxed wine, which used to have a bad reputation, is becoming popular because it tends to be a more sustainable choice. Sustainability is highly important for many consumers today. It also tends to be affordable, which is always a nice bonus.
2022 Cannabis Trends
What’s happening in the world of cannabis? With legalization in more states, as well as Canada, you can expect to see more cannabis products being released. From vape pens to edibles and everything in between, the world is becoming more accustomed to cannabis.
Drinkable Cannabis Products on the Rise
One of the other big trends that we’re likely to see going forward will be cannabis you can drink. The stigma of cannabis is starting to fade, and more and more people are using it for a host of purposes—pleasure, help sleeping, anxiety, etc. However, not everyone wants to smoke or use edibles.
Therefore, many of the most prominent companies in the beverage and cannabis industry are making cannabis-infused drinks. This gives people another avenue of consumption. Drinking a beverage is something they are already familiar with, so they don’t need to know how to use a bong, roll a joint, etc.
The drinks go to work faster than edibles, which can often take an hour or more for someone to feel the effects. They are more discreet than smoking or vaping, as well. It’s expected that this will be one of the more popular 2022 cannabis trends.
