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Ministry of Housing and Social Development


Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB)

Liquor-Primary Licence

Bars, Pubs, Nightclubs, Stadiums, Theatres, Recreation and Convention Centres

Any business in the hospitality, entertainment or beverage industry - including bars, pubs, lounges, nightclubs, stadiums, theatres, recreation and convention centres - may apply for a liquor-primary licence. The only exceptions are businesses geared to youth (which may not be licensed to serve liquor) and private clubs (which require a liquor-primary club licence.)

On average it takes seven – twelve months to get a liquor-primary licence.

Liquor-primary establishments may apply for any hours of service between 9:00 am and 4:00 am, subject to local government and Liquor Control and Licensing Branch apporval, and must also offer food and non-alcoholic beverages at reasonable prices. Minors are generally not allowed in liquor-primary establishments, unless they are working as entertainers or the establishment's primary function is not to serve liquor (it is a stadium, concert hall, train or airplane, for example).

Businesses not eligible for a liquor-primary licence include:

  • facilities used mostly by or directed at minors (under age 19)
  • movie theatres
  • take-away services
  • restaurants
  • motor vehicles, and
  • video-game arcades
About the Liquor-Primary Club Licence:

The application process and general rules are similar to the liquor-primary licence, but some special rules do apply. For example, to be eligible for a licence, a club must:

  • be legally incorporated as a society
  • have been in continuous operation for at least one year
  • have at least 50 members who pay $10 or more in annual membership fees
  • have its own facilities
  • do its own catering and liquor sales (these functions may not be sublet),
  • not transfer the licence, once we have issued it.

In addition, clubs may only sell liquor to members or their guests and must keep a visitors' register. Please see the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and Regulations for more information about private club rules and requirements.


Steps to take to get a liquor-primary licence?

step1
   Determine Your Eligibility
step2
 Know What Documentation You Require
step3
   Find Out How Much Your Licence Will Cost
step4
   Submit Your Application
step5
   Learn About the Application Process
step6
   Determine What Additional Approvals You’ll Need
step7
   Learn About Your Responsibilities as a Licensee
step8   Find Out About Inspections
step9
   Get More Information