BCRFA Update April 19, 2021
1.IN-RESTAURANT DINING: At today's briefing Premier Horgan confirmed that indoor dining in restaurants is still not permitted. As well as, all restrictions put in place on March 31, 2021 as part of the "Circuit Breaker" and was to expire today, April 19th have been extended until after the May long weekend. This includes indoor dining, social gatherings and events. The "Circuit Breaker" program funding to support effected businesses will be extended with further funding support.
We can appreciate the frustration that many of you may have in regards to these continued restrictions and we continue to address them in our conversations. Please ensure that if you have not already applied for the grants listed below that you do so soon as they take time to be vetted and processed and we can appreciate the need for the funds in order to continue to have cash flow into your business.
2. TRAVEL: The Premier announced today that effective this Friday, April 23rd the province will have a random audit in place where you may run into a roadside stop to ask why you are traveling and to confirm/ensure that people are not leaving their own health region.
- BC Ferries will not be allowing recreational vehicle bookings effective later this week as well, they will not be bringing in more ferries to support increased volume until after May long weekend
- New border signs will be put on the BC/AB border that note only essential travel will be permitted if you are not visiting for essential travel, return home.
3. NEW REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT: B.C. increased employment incentive. The increased employment incentive allows employers to apply for a one-time tax credit. The credit is 15% of the amount that the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the qualifying period exceeds the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the base period. Learn more: HERE
4. GRANT: The Circuit Breaker Grant for Hospitality Businesses application is now open. Businesses impacted by the March 30, 2021, provincial health orders will be eligible to receive between $1,000 and $10,000 in grant funding. The majority of eligible businesses will receive a grant of $5,000. The applications will close June 4th or until funds have been fully subscribed, we encourage you to apply soon. You will need to provide one of the following with your application: 2019 or 2020 income tax notice of assessment or business licence or liquor licence or insurance policy or lease agreement. To apply goHERE
Learn More:
For more information on the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/business-relief
For more information on the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant
5. GRANT: Launch Online program: Learn more HERE
This program is designed to help business conduct transactions online through building or enhancing an online shop. Businesses that want to enhance or build an online booking system are now eligible to apply. An approved business would be eligible for 75% funding up to $10,000 (max of $7500 from the program, $2500 from the approved business). This program has a fairly low barrier to entry so a great source of funds. To sign up, restaurants may want to have a chat with their website and social media company to get their commitment to help execute the website upgrades in advance. Note: Website investments must be done after the grant is approved.
6. GRANT: Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant: details: HERE Business that have a proven revenue drop of 30% of one month in 2019 versus one month in 2020 AND have been in business for at least 18 months at the time of application are eligible for this grant. The amount a business is eligible for is based on your revenue from $10,000 to $30,000 with up to $15,000 top up for tourism dependent businesses. There is a checklist on the website. Businesses who have completed CEWS paperwork should be able to gather many of the required financial documents fairly quickly. Requirements include balance sheet, income statement, payroll info and tax returns.
Based on pre-covid annual revenue:
Up to $100,000 - grant is $10,000
From $100,001 to $1,000,000 - grant is $15,000
From $1,000,001 to $2,000,000 - grant is $20,000
From $2,000,001 to $3,000,000 - grant is $25,000
Over $3,000,000 - grant is $30,000
Once a business gets approved based on their financials, a business must complete the actual recovery plan and can use approved service providers to get guidance on completing the form. BCRFA can help restaurants with completing the recovery plan: info@bcrfa.com. Note: Expenses back to September 21 are eligible within the recovery plan.
7. RETAIL PRODUCTS. Do you create and sell your own house made products or clothing/retail items? We are currently working with a BC Retailer who wants to help restaurants by carrying your items in their stores to help you bring in some extra revenue. Items must be set up with bar codes for scanning and ready to hit store shelves and packed in box with multiple units (ie 12 BBQ sauces in a box), and all must not require refrigeration or freezer as it will be on a shelf in their store. If you are a restaurant and have an item please send an email HERE
8. Growler sales back on the table for hospitality industry. To provide additional support to the hospitality industry, government will provide the opportunity for Liquor Primary and Food Primary licensees to package draught beer in growlers for sale to patrons with the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption until June 6, 2021. This temporary authorization was made available earlier in the pandemic in response to the provincial health officer’s (PHO) orders, which prohibited on-site service, but was rescinded on July 13, 2020, after on-site service was resumed. Once again, PHO restrictions are prohibiting indoor service until at least April 19, 2021, with the possibility of extensions, though patio service and take-out/delivery can continue. Read the full release HERE
9. Public Health Order. The March 31 updated PHO order is available HERE. Please see page 3 of the document that outlines the definition of a patio, which states "“patio” means a space completely open to outdoor air on at least two sides." We have been receiving calls from a number of restaurants who are being visited by their local bylaw inspector. We would like to remind you to ensure that your safety plans are up to date and if you have questions in regards to your patio that you contact your local WorkSafeBC office.
10. Gatherings and Events Order. Updated March 31 and is available HEREindicates: A person may permit a place, other than a private residence or vacation accommodation, or a place that is subject to the Food and Liquor Serving Premises, to be used for, and a person may attend, an event with up to ten people present, which is held outside, if the following conditions are met a. there is sufficient space available to permit every person present to maintain a distance of two metres from one another; b. the persons present maintain a distance of two metres from one another when standing or sitting, unless they reside together; c. a person who leaves an event must not be replaced by another person; hand sanitation supplies are readily available; e. the event does not move into a fully enclosed structure at the place.
11. TUTTI Food Delivery: TUTTI has reduced their commission rates to 5% between April 1st and April 19th as a way to support our partner restaurants during this difficult time. Restaurants in Victoria as well as Nanaimo, Kelowna, and Kamloops are currently serviced by TUTTI and will qualify for this reduction. On top of the reduction to 5%. If you have not already signed up to work with TUTTI you can reach them HERE.
12. Patio Approvals: Patios require two levels of approval: municipal (building) and provincial (alcohol service) through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Municipal Approvals: Contact your Municipal Permitting office if you are looking to apply for a temporary patio. Most municipalities have programs for public and private space programs. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY CONNECTING WITH YOUR MUNICIPALITY TO HELP FAST TRACK THIS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE TO HELP.
Provincial Approvals: APPROVED Patio Expansions: Currently approved expanded alcohol service area permissions have been extended without requiring a re-application until October 31, 2021.
NEW Patio Expansions: For existing operators who wish to apply for a new Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) they can continue to do so until October 31, 2021. LCRB has been reviewing and approving completed applications for TESAs in approximately 5 days. LEARN MORE HERE: TESA
13: Some BCRFA tips to maximize take-away and delivery
1. Create family style dining menus for pick-up
2. Create a package that includes wine and cocktail packages
3. Create a dinner package that is all prepped and guests will cook at home
4. Create picnic basket style dining for those getting outdoors
5. Work with your local food delivery and increase your dining menu
6. Update your website with take-away ordering menus as people move from reservations to dining at home
7. Get your patios up and running and move reservations outside
You can view and download off of the BCRFA website here: RESOURCES.
Guides include:
COVID-19 Restaurant Marketing
The Next Pivot: Preparing to maximize take away this fall/winter
Frequently Asked Questions: Patio Extensions
Physical Distancing and Patios
14. LIQUOR MANUFACTURERS (tastings and sales): Manufacturers of BC Wine, Beer, Cider and Spirits are permitted to be open and provide tastings indoors. This must be for tastings only and be served for the purpose of tasting with intention for purchase. When possible it is encouraged to do this outdoors if you are able but the Provincial Government has advised that tastings are allowed.
LIQUOR MANUFACTURERS (by-the-glass sales): Manufactures that are selling products by the glass who do NOT currently have in-house food service may remain open provided the following is met:
1) you provide meal service, this can be done by working with a local restaurant to provide delivery or bring in a food truck. But food must be consumed for guests to be able to be seated on your patio
2) you must have a patio area and abide by the above noted patio rules, regulations and suggestions.
15. APRIL MARKETING FEATURE: Take out and patio offers As we quickly shift gears to welcoming guests outside and encourage our customers to gather with friends outside, we want to feature your take away offerings on our social media channels and showcase "safe" hospitality. To participate, please email: HERE- the description of your ready to order take out or patio dining specials (include your packaged wine or beer pairing offer)- a short statement about your outdoor dining safety protocols- a picture of you or your team wearing a mask on your patio OR
- a picture of a team member at a take out window, wearing a mask OR
- a picture of your take out feature
We also need:
- the social media handles for your business and the featured producer
- any hashtags you use
We look forward to featuring your business and giving people choices of great outdoor dining options!
Entries received will be posted in April @eatdrinkbuybc, @bctastesbetter and @chefstablebc.
CALLING FOR NEW MEMBERS! The BCRFA is a member based organization we thank our members for your support and invite those of you who are not members to LEARN MORE and join our association. SIGN ME UP.
Questions about your membership? Send us an email HERE
REMINDERS.
1. New mental health resources for sectors hit hard by pandemic. Yesterday the provincial government announced additional funding to support business operator and staff mental health in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The new hub provides workshops, webinars and information to help employees manage stress and build resiliency. It also provides tangible steps for workers at all levels to improve their overall mental health, as well as navigation support to connect to other mental health services, including counselling and peer support. To access the hub, visit: www.workmentalhealthbc.ca. Read the full release HERE
2. PST ON CARBONATED BEVERAGES: Bill 4, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2020 received Royal Assent on August 14, 2020 in the BC Legislature for the announced Budget 2020 changes, which included the tax change applicable to soda beverages. As a result of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, in September 2020 the Ministry announced the delay of the elimination of the PST exemption for soda beverages to April 1, 2021.
Effective April 1, 2021, Provincial Sales Tax (PST) applies to all retail sales of soda beverages at the rate of 7%. The Ministry of Finance is mindful that implementing this change may be more difficult for some retailers than others and is aware that this rate change imposes the additional difficulty of impacting the point of sale calculation, e.g. when selling soda beverages with food or other goods. While anyone selling soda beverages will be under a legal obligation to levy, collect and remit PST at the 7% rate, the Ministry will generally not focus compliance activities on soda beverages for an initial period. Regardless, the Ministry recommends that best efforts be made to implement the rate change for April 1 and in accordance with all applicable legal obligations.
3. Sale, delivery of packaged liquor now permanent. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced today that including the sale of sealed alcohol with your take-out and delivery orders that was put in temporarily in spring 2020 and was set to expire has now been made permanent. Read the full release: HERE
4. WHOLESALE PRICING MADE PERMANENT: The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced today that the changes made in 2020 to allow restaurants, bars and tourism operators with liquor licences to purchase beer, wine and spirits at the wholesale price set by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) are now in place permanently. Over the last few months the BCRFA along with our industry colleagues have been expressing the need to make this permanent and today we are happy to share this news. You can read the full release issued today here: Permanent wholesale liquor pricing will help hospitality sector recover
5. MANUAL: BEST HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE BC FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY. Successful management of our Human Resources - our team, our employees - is the core of every restaurant. BCRFA is here to help you succeed in all aspects of your business. Your employees cost you 30-35% of your monthly operating expenses. When replacing an employee who has quit or you have had to terminate can cost thousands of dollars, good Human Resources management is a vital part of a restaurant's ability to succeed. This manual is broken down into 19 sections, each tackling unique areas of managing people. BCRFA members can now access and download this in our members area. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the manual we can print and ship for $25. If you would like to order a hard copy or are not a current BCRFA member and would like this valuable resource please contact our membership team: MEMBERSHIP
6. Government Announces Wage and Rent Subsidy Amounts to Remain Unchanged Through to June. Today the Federal Government released the information on how wage and rent subsidy comparisons will be calculated from March 14- June 5. Calculations will be made by comparing 2021 sales to 2019 sales, there are alternate comparisons available as well. For a full explanation on the announcement and to review the calculations table visit: WAGE AND RENT SUBSIDY
7. Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you.
8. MODUURN: The BCRFA recently announced our partnership with Moduurn. BCRFA members receive preferred pricing, to learn more visit: MODUURN, and click HERE. Moduurn has also shared a 90 Day Success Story: HERE. E-Commerce Grant + Small and Medium Sized Business Grant consideration. The BCRFA is encouraging restaurants to apply for both grants and to speak with Moduurn in regards to using some of the funds to digitally advance your websites to better accommodate consumers increasing demands for convenient ordering. To learn more on the grants see points #4 and #5 below and to learn more how Moduurn can help your business visit: Moduurn
9. MEMBERSHIP DUES PAYMENTS. We have now implemented a monthly membership payment option to help you with your monthly budgeting. This new option allows you to spread your memberships into 12 monthly payments instead of paying on your anniversary date. If you have an outstanding invoice and would like to pay using our monthly payment program please contact accounting@bcrfa.com. We have frozen membership fees for the current period, membership invoices are distributed on a monthly basis, if you have received an invoice please pay promptly
10. LOWER MAINLAND EMPLOYMENT GRANTS: The Youth Employment Bootcamp Program at the Robert Lee YMCA in Vancouver is currently looking for employers to take part in their job training program. They run employment programming and workshops for young people 15-30 years old that are looking for work in the lower mainland. They then set up work placements for twelve weeks following their training with the aim this leads into an ongoing position. For you this gives you access to a ready to work talent pool (15-30 yrs), trained with certificates relevant to the job such as First Aid CPR-C, Food Safe, World Host, Serving it right. Some candidates are recent graduates of post-secondary school programs. A $10-$15/hour wage subsidy is available for the first 12 weeks of full-time employment. This is a savings of $3,600 - $5,400 for employers. Learn more: HERE. If this is of interest please contact their program manager by email here: Nicolas Tellez-Espana