Planning to serve liquor at your business?
Liquor licensing in British Columbia is regulated by the Province through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). When applying for a liquor license for your business, municipal approval is also required.
This page explains when City approval is needed and how the process works.
When City approval is required
You may require municipal review or council support if you are:
- Applying for a new liquor licence
- Changing licence terms (e.g. hours, capacity, patio expansion)
- Adding a patio with liquor service
- Relocating a licence
- Requesting a temporary use area endorsement
Municipal approval may include:
- Zoning confirmation
- Building or occupancy review
- Council resolution
- Public notification
Before you apply to the Province
Before submitting your application to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), confirm the following:
- Liquor service is permitted under the property’s zoning
- The proposed occupant load is permitted
- Any required building upgrades have been identified
- A development permit is not required (for example, patio changes)
Contact the City early to confirm requirements. Early conversations help avoid delays.
Municipal application process
If municipal approval is required, the general process is:
- Submit your application through the LCRB portal
- The Province refers the application to the City
- City staff review zoning, land use, and building requirements
- Council consideration may be required
- The City provides comments or resolution to the Province
Processing times vary depending on the type of application and whether council approval is required.
Public notification
Some applications require public notification in accordance with provincial and municipal requirements.
If required, staff will provide instructions.
Related approvals
Depending on your project, you may also require:
Confirm all required approvals before beginning renovations or operations.