Applying for a Liquor Licence
Each licence class has its own eligibility requirements and its own licence terms and conditions, outlined in the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and Regulations.
Are you buying a business that is already licensed?
B.C.'s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch issues:
- Agent's Licences for independent liquor agents who market products from a variety of liquor manufacturers, and BC liquor manufacturers who want to sell their products off-site.
- Food-Primary Licences for selling liquor by the glass at businesses (restaurants) where the primary purpose is to serve food.
- Liquor-Primary Licences for selling liquor by the glass at businesses (pubs, bars, lounges, nightclubs, etc.) where the primary purpose is to sell liquor. Private clubs require a liquor-primary club licence.
- Manufacturer's Licences for making liquor at a winery, brewery or distillery (wineries can also apply for an endorsement to their manufacturer's licence to sell wine by the glass, at an on-site winery lounge).
- Special Occasion Licences for individuals and groups holding special events, such as community celebrations, weddings or banquets.
- UBrew/UVin Licences for businesses that sell their customers the ingredients, equipment and advice they need to make their own beer, wine, cider or coolers.
- Olympic/Paralympic Licences for organizations and businesses with a direct link to the 2010 Olympic/Paralympic Winter Games such as international sports federations, sponsors and foreign governments.
In addition, although no new licences are available at this time:
