Determine What Additional Approvals You'll Need
You will need to:
- Ask your local government's planning department what the zoning is for your proposed site, and whether a winery, brewery or distillery is a permitted use within that zone. If it isn't, you will need to apply for re-zoning or consider another site.
- Ask the local fire or building authorities — your local government can tell you who exactly you need to talk to — to review your proposed floor plans. They will give the plans a stamp of approval if they meet safety and building standards. (If you are applying for a winery lounge endorsement or interior special event endorsement area, you must also ask the local fire or building authorities to mark your plans with an "occupant load" calculation. The occupant load must equal the person capacity you have proposed in your application — the number of people you plan to accommodate in your establishment).
- Speak to the planning department or building inspection department of your local government to find out what building bylaws are in effect in your area and how to get a building or occupancy permit.
Winery lounges and special event areas
In addition, if you are applying for a winery lounge and/or special event endorsement, your local government must support your application.
We will provide your local government (municipality, regional district, or First Nation) with a summary of your application. The local government must then, within 90 days, send us a resolution commenting on your application (they may ask for an extension). This resolution must look at such factors as your winery's location, proximity to other facilities, the hours you are proposing to stay open, capacity, and impact on the community if your application is approved. If the local government believes residents may be affected by your winery, it must also collect local views on your application. This may involve receiving letters in response to a public notice, conducting a public hearing or holding a referendum.
The local government's resolution may approve or deny your application. (Local governments may choose to opt out of this process. If your local government has opted out, our staff will go through the same steps.)
Liquor Distribution Branch Manufacturer Reporting Agreement
You are allowed one on-site retail store at the "prime manufacturing site," and you must have an on-site retail store appointment to be able to sell your product on-site. (See: Applying for an on-site retail store to sell my product (LCLB027). If you are applying for a new manufacturer licence, you must contact the Liquor Distribution Branch to ensure you meet their requirements, as they are responsible for the sale and distribution of all beverage alcohol products in B.C.
Serving It Right
If you have not done so already, you and your manager(s) and anyone why may be left in charge will need to complete the Serving It Right course before you receive your licence.
Store staff and any servers you hire (wait staff and bartenders) must have a Serving It Right certificate.
Other approvals
You will need to:
