BCRFA Update April 26, 2021

1. CIRCUIT BREAKER GRANT. This afternoon, government announced they are doubling the amount that restaurants and foodservice operators will be eligible for under the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant program. The individual amount a business received will be based on the number of employees. 
1-4 Employees => was $2,000 now $4,000
5-99 Employees => was $5,000 now $10,000
100+ Employees => was $10,000 now $20,000
Funds can be used to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance, and utilities. 
If you have applied already, you don't need to apply again but your funding amount will increase. 
If you haven't applied, apply today.

2. FOOD AND LIQUOR SERVING PREMISES UPDATED ORDER. For the most recent public health order please visit HERE. This order is part of the "Circuit Breaker" program which restricts travel in/out of BC and throughout the province as well as limits restaurant dining to patios only. This order is in effect now through to after the May 24 (long weekend). Reminder that you must continue to do contact tracing and should be part of your pandemic protocols and safety plan. 

3. PROVINCIAL GUIDANCE FOR OUTSIDE DINING SPACES: This guidance provides information on ways to comply with the Provincial Health Officer’s Order on Food and Liquor Serving Premises, specifically the requirements for providing outside food and drink services (e.g., on a patio). As an owner or operator, this guidance will support you when preparing or amending your COVID-19 Safety Plan and outside dining set up. To review the full document please visit HERE

4. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN BC: Travel restrictions for non-essential travel in B.C. are in place until May 25 to stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern. Fines can be given to people who leave their region for non-essential travel. Stay local and stay in your community. Do not travel for non-essential reasons. Learn more HERE

5. ASTRAZENECA VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE FOR THOSE AGES 40+. Late last week the province announced that they had opened up vaccines for those aged 40+. Note that most pharmacies in the province quickly ran out, however for those encouraging your staff to get this vaccine we do recommend that you advise your staff to contact their pharmacy to get on their waitlist as more doses are expected to arrive in Canada this week. To be part of the Provincial main roll-out you can register online and when your age group hits vaccinations stage those registered will get an email advising them to make an appointment, currently those 60+ are being vaccinated under the provincial primary vaccination plan. Register HERE. For pharmacy appointments you must book directly through the pharmacy.

6. PATTISON MEDIA RADIO CAMPAIGN: The BCRFA is excited to confirm that Pattison Media Ltd. is sponsoring a campaign that will run from April 28 - May 31 with 30 second ads running on all 22 of their stations in the province. These ads are encouraging people to order take-away, dine on a patio and support their favourite local restaurant. Tune in to your local station to hear these ads, we thank Pattison Media Group for helping us to offer another media promotion to help us get people ordering from you, our restaurants, pubs and cafes.

7. SURVEY: IMPACT OF EXTENDING INDOOR DINING RESTRICTIONS.The BCRFA along with our industry partners are conducting a survey in regards to how the restrictions currently in place since March 31, 2021 have affected and will affect your business. Please help us in obtaining some accurate data for us to share with government. The survey will take just three minutes and provide us with valuable information, please complete HERE

8. NEED EXPERIENCED LINE COOKS? (support in helping with the labour shortage). As the world continues to re-open we circle back on the need for more workers in our industry, as a BCRFA member you get access to the professional services of our partner Brij Rathi Consultancy Ltd is your source to accessing skilled culinary talent with our express foreign worker program. It takes four to six months for the process from start to finish so now is the time to start thinking of staffing needs for the next twelve months, as the borders begin to open and skilled workers will be allowed to enter our Country/Province these experienced workers will add to your culinary teams. We encourage you to contact Brij to get this started.

9. KUBERA PAYMENT PROCESSING. Do you know that BCRFA members receive a $500 credit when switching to work with KUBERA for your payment processing? Not a BCRFA member? Join today as the credit more than pays your annual membership fee. About KUBERA: Every day Kubera helps our clients move millions of dollars in-store, online and on mobile phones for companies across North America. Kubera’s team of experts can advise you on the best way to securely and reliably accept payments. Better Payment Processing for your Business. To learn more and register visit: HERE

10. RISING TIDE LIQUOR AND CANNABIS LICENSING CONSULTANTS: With over 32 years’ experience in liquor and now cannabis licensing in Canada, Rising Tide Consultants is a team of compliance experts providing straightforward, comprehensive hospitality consulting. To learn more and speak with the team at Rising Tide visit HERE

11. DELIVERY: As we continue to have no indoor dining in restaurants and an increase in restaurant take away and delivery services our member TUTTI is providing restaurants in the communities that they serve with a 5% delivery fee charge during this time. As well restaurants in Victoria can also receive 5% delivery fee rates for the first three months with Lucky To Go.

GRANTS AND FUNDING SUPPORT

1. 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

2. GRANT: The Circuit Breaker Grant for Hospitality Businesses application is now open. As noted in point #1 above the government today increased the grant funding for eligible businesses.Funds can be used to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance, and utilities. If you have applied already, you don't need to apply again but your funding amount will increase. To apply go HERE 

3. 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.

4. 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. 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. 

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

1. 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

2: Some BCRFA tips to maximize take-away and delivery
- Create family style dining menus for pick-up
- Create a package that includes wine and cocktail packages
- Create a dinner package that is all prepped and guests will cook at home
- Create picnic basket style dining for those getting outdoors
- Work with your local food delivery and increase your dining menu
- Update your website with take-away ordering menus as people move from reservations to dining at home
- Get your patios up and running and move reservations outside

3. BCRFA RESOURCES:
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

4. 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. 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

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