Bulletin 23-03: Structural change application requirements

Publication date: March 29, 2023

Issue date: March 29, 2023

Who's impacted

This change applies only to the following licences: 

  • Food Primary
  • Liquor Primary
  • Liquor Primary Club

What's changing

A licensee must apply for approval from the LCRB if they are planning a structural change that impacts the:

  • Capacity
  • Occupancy load
  • Size of the liquor service area

Other changes to an establishment no longer need an application for approval. 

This policy change applies only to Food Primary, Liquor Primary, and Liquor Primary Club licensees. The updates can be found in the Liquor Policy Manual and the Food Primary and Liquor Primary licensee handbooks.

Licensing staff will review structural change applications according to the new criteria.  Licensing staff will contact licensees who have applied for a structural change that no longer needs approval.

Helpful information

Examples of changes that no longer need approval are: 

  • Adding or changing the position or height of a wall, partial height divider (pony wall), or fixed planters that do not change the size or location of a service area
  • Changes to the position of interior entry\exit points of a service area (Note: exterior entry/exit changes still require application for approval)
  • Adding or removing permanent display cabinets, booth seating, stages or dance floors
  • Construction that only impacts the patron routing or line of sight between a staff control point and the service area, with no impact to your ability to control the establishment

Unreported structural changes

A common oversight is making structural changes without checking if the change needs approval from the LCRB. Liquor inspectors check for unreported structural changes during inspections and may issue a contravention notice when necessary.

Disclaimer

Bulletins are for general information and may not apply to all situations. Bulletins do not constitute legal advice nor are they a comprehensive statement of the legal obligations that arise under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, regulations, or any other applicable laws.

When interpreting and applying the information contained in the Bulletins, you are encouraged to seek advice from your professional advisors as appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Questions

If you have questions about this policy change, email LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca.  

If you have questions about a structural change application, email LCRBStructural@gov.bc.ca.