Canada's Drinking Guidelines Have NOT Changed
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- Written by Mark Hicken Mark Hicken
- Category: Latest News Latest News
- Published: 06 October 2023 06 October 2023
The mainstream and industry media continues to report that Canada's "low risk drinking guidelines" have changed and that they have been reduced to "two drinks per week". If true, this would be a dramatic reduction from the previous guidelines which were 15 drinks per week for men and 10 drinks per week for women.
Many stories have reported this, a few of them are here: Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and NY Times.
However, the stories are NOT correct. Canada's drinking guidelines have NOT changed and remain the same as they were in 2011. The official guidelines, from Health Canada (a federal government agency) are still located here and are unchanged: Health Canada Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.
Unfortunately, what has happened is that an advisory group has recommended that Health Canada lower the guidelines. Health Canada has neither accepted nor rejected that recommendation. I note that the title of the report containing the recommendations ("Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health") is misleading as it implies that Health Canada has already accepted the recommendations when it has not.
The group that I lead believes that these recommendations are flawed and should not be adopted. There is more information on our web site located here (Canadian Assoc. for Responsible Drinkers) including our analysis of why the recommendations contained in the report are flawed.
Canadian Alliance for Responsible Drinking Launches to Provide Sensible Info on Alcohol/Health Issues
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- Written by Mark Hicken Mark Hicken
- Category: Latest News Latest News
- Published: 18 September 2023 18 September 2023
The Canadian Alliance for Responsible Drinking (CARD) has officially launched to provide sensible information on alcohol & health issues. CARD's mission is to provide unbiased information and education that encourages responsible consumption and reduces harmful consumption. It's an important objective during a time when exaggerated claims are circulating and when Canadians are likely confused about conflicting information from various levels of government. I am the Executive Director of the informal alliance which includes concerned citizens and businesses. There's a short launch message located here that explains what we're about. CARD's web site is now live and provides plenty of information and resources on these topics. I hope that it will prove to be useful and will enable you to make smart and informed decisions about alcohol consumption.
Global Wine Law Experts Coming to the Okanagan
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- Written by Mark Hicken Mark Hicken
- Category: Latest News Latest News
- Published: 25 August 2023 25 August 2023
It's been a tough year in the Okanagan for multiple reasons (winter freeze, wildfires). Wineries continue to struggle with these and other challenging issues. However, on the positive side, Kelowna will be hosting an international gathering of wine law experts at the end of September. For the first time ever, the International Wine Law Association (AIDV/IWLA) is holding its annual conference at the Delta Grand Okanagan from September 28 to October 1st. There's an impressive line-up of speakers who will be discussing an exciting range of topics: see the conference details here. But, there's also a related (less legal) seminar at Okanagan College on September 28th which is designed specifically for the BC wine industry. It features some great speakers from the main conference and highlights topics that will likely affect the operations of BC wineries. The details are in this promo flyer. You can get tickets here, with all proceeds benefiting students at Okanagan College. Please take advantage and chat with international experts while they are here ... hope to see you there!
BC Extends TESA Authorizations until End of 2024
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- Written by Mark Hicken Mark Hicken
- Category: Latest News Latest News
- Published: 10 March 2023 10 March 2023
In news that will provide relief to many BC liquor licensees, the BC LCRB announced today that they will extend TESA authorizations until the end of 2024 unless local governments have concerns. This will enable TESAs (temporary expanded service areas which are often outside) to continue for the foreseeable future. This is very good news for wineries as it continues to allow flexibility for tasting areas. Hopefully, a permanent solution will be found prior to the expiry date. The news release is here: TESA Authorizations Extended.
Get the Inside Scoop on Opening a Winery
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- Written by Mark Hicken Mark Hicken
- Category: Latest News Latest News
- Published: 06 January 2023 06 January 2023
Ever dreamed of owning a winery? Join AIDV Canada on January 17th for this 60 minute webinar and hear from four independent winery owners who produce wine in BC's Okanagan Valley. This promises to be a fascinating session in which you will get the "inside scoop" on the issues related to entering the wine business. Full information and registration is here: Issues Facing Canadian Independent Winery Owners