Liquor and cannabis regulation

Last updated on December 18, 2024

You may serve liquor if food is available to patrons on New Year’s Eve until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, unless local bylaws prohibit it.

This applies to:

Liquor Primary
Food Primary
Manufacturer Lounge or Special Event Area endorsement
Catered event

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) oversees provincial liquor and cannabis regulations. These are the rules and laws that govern B.C.'s private retail sale of liquor and cannabis.

Search within Liquor and cannabis regulation

The LCRB regulates the licensing and permits for establishments and events including:

Restaurants, bars and pubs
Liquor manufacturers
Private liquor stores
Catering
Special event permits
Private cannabis stores
Cannabis marketing

Bulletins

Policy directives are renamed Bulletins. Find out what's new at the LCRB.

Liquor licences and permits

Apply for a liquor licence or change a licence, and find resources for liquor licensees.

Apply for a Special Event Permit.

Cannabis licences and authorizations

Apply for a cannabis licence or change a licence.

Find resources for cannabis licensees and authorization holders.

Serving It Right and Selling It Right

Get certified with mandatory training for responsible liquor service or cannabis sales:

Visit Responsible Service BC to get a copy of your certificate.

Inspections and enforcement

The LCRB oversees compliance of all licensed establishments by conducting inspections and taking enforcement action.

Learn more about: preventing contraventions, inspections, the enforcement process, and hearings, including how to submit a complaint.

Guides for local governments or Indigenous Nations

The LCRB partners with local governments and Indigenous Nations. Learn more about the role of jurisdictional authorities in liquor and cannabis licensing.

About the LCRB

Learn more about the LCRB, social responsibility, and the role of the general manager.

See contact information for questions and media requests.

Liquor and cannabis law and policy

Read about liquor law and policy and cannabis law and policy

Liquor licensee and cannabis store locations

For information about B.C. government liquor or cannabis stores, visit

BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB)

Popular resources

Responsible service

Signs and posters

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.