Learn about the requirements and process to obtain a liquor licence
As of December 2, 2024, the City has amended our zoning bylaws for liquor and cannabis applications. This has allowed us to update our existing policy, improve processing times, better align with current Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) policies and balance the safety and needs of the community.
Type of liquor licences
To sell or serve liquor in the Province of BC, a liquor licence or permit is required. There are 4 main types of liquor licences:
A liquor primary licence is associated primarily with hospitality, entertainment or beverage service businesses. This licence allows these establishments to serve a variety of alcoholic beverages and ensures they follow responsible service practices and legal regulations.
Examples of liquor primary establishments include nightclubs, pubs, lounges, casinos, theatres and could also include places such as barber shops or spas.
Food primary licenced establishments focus primarily on the sale and service of food as opposed to alcohol. This includes establishments such as restaurants, bistros, cafes and any other ventures where the primary source of business is food. Obtaining this licence ensures that the business adheres to the necessary regulations and standards required for serving liquor at these establishments.
These licences are required for businesses involved in the production or manufacturing of liquor, including wine, cider, beer (such as brew pubs) or spirits. By obtaining these licences, businesses ensure they meet the necessary regulations and standards for producing and selling alcoholic beverages to the public.
This type of licence is required to operate a business that sells liquor and alcohol. These types of licences do not require a separate municipal application, provided that the location is in a designated commercial zone of C1, C2, C3, or a comprehensive development based on one of those commercial zones. The location must also be located at least one kilometre from an existing liquor store.
The Provincial government has imposed a freeze on new liquor store licences until July 1, 2032. Please contact the LCRB if you are interested in transferring your licence to Burnaby from another location.
If you have a prospective location in mind, please contact the Planning Department to confirm by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-294-7400.
Liquor licence application process
The following outlines the steps required to obtain a licence to serve, sell or manufacture liquor.
Please note that this application process does not apply to liquor stores.
Submit an application to the Province for a liquor licence.
Once your Provincial retail licence application has been submitted, a referral will be made to the City of Burnaby by the LCRB. Only applications that have been referred by the LCRB to the City or applications from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) will be accepted.
Upon receiving the referral from the LCRB, the Planning and Development Department will determine if your application generally meets the criteria set out in the City’s Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Policy, and you will be invited to submit a municipal application. Your application must contain the following:
- Development application form
- Agent Authorization form
- If part of a strata - A letter of support for the application from the strata is required
- Current copy of liquor licence (if amending an existing licence)
- Floor plans including occupant load (if applicable)
- Application fee
- Land Title
Your application will be reviewed, and an assessment will begin to ensure that both the Provincial and City requirements have been met. The assessment process will include posting a public notification sign, which will include information on how interested parties may provide feedback on the application.
Based on the assessment, the results of the public input process, and feedback from staff and the Burnaby RCMP, the City will provide the LCRB with comments and a recommendation whether or not to issue the licence or licence amendment.
The City’s building division is responsible for determining your establishment’s occupant load, which is a requirement of the LCRB for certain types of licences. A copy of your establishment’s floor plans outlining the proposed area of liquor service is required to complete this determination. Applicants should apply for Occupant Load/Liquor License Referral through the building division.
If you are planning on making any structural changes or renovating your establishment, you will also be required to obtain a building permit. Please review our Commercial Renovations webpage.
For a complete list of requirements and to apply, please contact [email protected] or call 604-294-7130.
After receiving final approval for a Provincial licence and issued building permits, applicants will be contacted and invited to apply for a municipal business licence.
Temporary liquor licence change and special events
Temporary changes to liquor licences, including operating hours or area, are granted by the LCRB and typically do not require public input or local government commentary other than “objection” or “no objection” responses.
In order to sell or serve liquor in a public space, applicants will be required to obtain a Special Event Permit (SEP) from the LCRB. The application will be reviewed by City staff, including the Burnaby RCMP, and in some cases may be referred to Council for further review prior to a comment being sent back to the LCRB.