BC Liquor and Cannabis News 2022 Year in Review

At Thrive, we publish BC liquor licensing and cannabis licensing news and articles four times per month. As we end the year, we thought we’d choose a handful of articles that are representative of the kind of year 2022 was. Before we get started, the Thrive team wishes all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We hope 2023 brings you prosperity, health and peace.

In January, we wrote about the newly launched BC Indigenous Cannabis Product program (BCICP). Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said that the “the program demonstrates the Province’s commitment to supporting Indigenous participation in B.C.’s cannabis sector”. When logged into the LDB cannabis wholesale portal, BC cannabis licensees will be able to identify BCICP products by the program logo.

In February, Rebecca Hardin, Thrive CEO and lead consultant, authored an article for Cannabis Retailer magazine. The article “Leveling the Playing Field: Direct Delivery”, examines Saskatchewan’s direct delivery model and discusses the unfair advantage of illegal online stores.

In March, we shared the good news that BC bars, restaurants and nightclubs could again operate at full capacity as COVID-19 restrictions relaxed. This small but significant sign that life was returning to normal was welcome relief to the liquor and food services sector which was hit so hard during the pandemic.

In April, we announced that BC liquor and cannabis store customers had donated $530,000 in relief to Ukraine. We also provided a list of websites accepting donations for Ukraine relief. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.

In September, we reported that the BCGEU strike was coming to end as the union reached a tentative agreement with the BC Public Service Agency. The strike, which had begun in August, strangled the supply of liquor and cannabis products to BC retailers, leading to empty shelves for many products.

In November, we wrote about inflation and the BC Consumer Price Index. BC’s rate of inflation was fourth in the country behind PEI (+8.4%), Manitoba (+8.1%), and Nova Scotia (+7.8%).

Face Challenges in 2023 with the Help of Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors

2022 was a challenging year. When your BC liquor or cannabis business faces challenges, our consultants have your back. Whether you need cannabis licensing support, liquor licensing support, operational guidance or strategy, you don’t have to go it alone.