PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Interview with Al Arbuthnot, President, ABLE BC

What are the key issues ABLE is currently working on?
There are a number of important issues that ABLE is involved in. First, we are closely following the moratorium on new LRS licenses, scheduled to be lifted in May 2008. Government has made no final decisions yet but it seems likely that the moratorium will stay in place. ABLE BC will continue to dialogue with the government on this important issue. 

We are still working with the government on smoking areas to see where customers will be able to smoke, if it all. By the time this edition of The Publican is printed, we hope government will have passed the regulation and provided us with clarity on the timing for the elimination of smoking rooms and the definitions of a patio for smoking purposes. ABLE has been working hard to ensure we have a workable patio definition and sufficient time to implement the required changes. 

We hope to see improvements to gaming with more self-serve electronic gaming from BC Lottery Corporation. As an industry, it would be great to see new gaming options to help us attract new and different customers. Using technology currently available in our establishments and in bingo halls, there are many possibilities we are asking BCLC to consider. 

Enforcement is always a challenge for our establishments. We are asking LCLB for a greater level of inspector discretion, particularly in relation to lesser contraventions. 
The last issue that has been given a lot of focus by ABLE is the new Security Services Act. This act requires the licensing and training of door staff in liquor establishments. We have been working with Ministry of Public Safety staff to help them better understand the reality of our businesses. The proposed regulations and policies impose 64 hours of mandatory training for all staff performing door security functions. We have been clear to staff and Minister Les that this is too onerous and expensive given the recruitment and retention problems we already face with staff in these positions. 

What is the Association’s mandate over the next year? 
ABLE wants to improve communication with members and be even more accessible to them while growing our membership to represent more of the industry. We want to ensure that the work ABLE is doing is relevant and of benefit to operators.

How can pubs compete with restaurants?
Publicans have to find their own niche and be more focused on the pub side of their business. They need to remain current, work closely with suppliers, and run better promotions than their competitors. With restaurant chains rapidly expanding and promoting Monday night football, hockey games, and theme nights, pubs need to promote their individuality. 

What’s the main competitive advantage that a private liquor store has compared to a government liquor store?
Convenience is our #1 advantage. We can offer cold products, personal service, delivery, and stay open more hours. We are local, small business owners often living in the communities in which we operate and we support our communities. We can quickly respond to the needs and wants of our communities by accessing a large number of spec products not available in LDB stores. We can also place orders with small VQA wineries that do not produce large enough quantities to supply LDB stores. 

How can that advantage be protected?
We can protect and improve on our advantage by making sure our staff has knowledge of the products we are selling, by improving selection, and changing stock on a seasonal basis. We can build larger and better stores that fill a niche market within a community and promote recognition of our brand. 
We must also offer competitive pricing. ABLE as an association achieved an increase in our discount last year and we still seek further action by the government to help make our stores more competitive.