BC Liquor Law Update: Be aware of these changes coming in 2017 that may negatively impact your licensed establishment

December 20, 2016 - Daniel Coles

Businesses currently operating licensed establishments in British Columbia, or considering purchasing a going concern, should take note of the following significant changes to British Columbia’s liquor laws into force in January, 2017:

New policy on “dormant” licences

Currently in British Columbia there are no minimum use requirements for liquor licences. That means a licensee may allow its establishment to become “dormant” – by keeping its licence in good standing, but for any number of reasons not operating the affiliated bar or restaurant. Generally speaking licences go dormant during extensive renovations, after fires or during times of financial stress.

After January…

Josephine Nadel Appointed Queen’s Counsel

December 16, 2016 - Christopher Weafer

The honor of a Queen’s counsel, or “QC”, designation is conferred each year on members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and contribution.

We are pleased and proud to announce that this year Josephine Nadel has been recognized as one of BC’s 2016 Queen’s counsel appointees. Josephine has served the firm, its clients and the community with exceptional merit and unwavering commitment and is well deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations Josephine!

BC Liquor Law Update: Grow your business with these exciting changes coming in 2017

December 13, 2016 - Daniel Coles

Whether your business is currently active in the hospitality industry, or you are considering entering this dynamic and growing sector, you should take notice of the following changes to British Columbia’s liquor laws coming into force in 2017

Any business will be able to apply for a liquor licence

The long-standing policy in British Columbia has been that only businesses that are “primarily engaged in hospitality, entertainment or beverage service” can apply for a liquor primary licence – on January 23, 2017 when the new Liquor Control and Licensing Act comes into force that will change. Beginning in January any…

Alan Frydenlund and Scott Stephens Present Forclosures Paper at CLEBC Real Estate Conference

December 09, 2016 - Alan Frydenlund

On Wednesday, December 7th, Owen Bird lawyers Alan Frydenlund and Scott Stephens participated as faculty at the 9th annual Residential Real Estate Conference, presented by the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia.

Every year, lawyers practicing in this area meet to discuss the latest cases, trends, and challenges faced by residential real estate practitioners. As part of their conference presentation, Alan and Scott delivered their paper, Foreclosures: An Overview (PDF). As the name suggests, the paper offers an overview of the foreclosure process, including commentary on the following specific topics:

Demand and notices Commencing…

Jocelyn Le Dressay Elected Director of CAFE Vancouver Chapter

December 05, 2016 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird congratulates firm lawyer Jocelyn Le Dressay on her recent election to the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Region of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE).

CAFE is a community of business families and professionals whose mandate is to help business families succeed by bringing them together to share knowledge and experiences.  CAFE offers forums for business families to connect with peers, advisors and resources for facilitate their success.

In her corporate commercial law practice, Jocelyn frequently advises family business clients on succession planning, wealth preservation, and estate, tax and trust planning.  CAFE’s motto is…