Before you start
Each licence change has specific documentation requirements. Be sure to read the submission instructions for the change you want to make.
Change applications are processed in the order they’re received.
Processing times may take longer if the local government or Indigenous Nation must be informed of the change.
Making a change before receiving a licence
Changing a CRS application before receiving a licence may require a separate change application.
If you make a change before you are issued a licence:
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Your licence application will pause until all change applications are approved
To change the proposed legal entity or licensee in your CRS application before receiving a licence, apply separately for a permanent change to a proposed licensee in the portal.
Making a change after receiving Approval in Principle
If you make a change after receiving Approval in Principle (AIP):
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Your application will pause until all change applications are approved
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Your AIP may be on hold until the change is approved
Overview
As a Cannabis Retail Store (CRS) licensee, you can
- Apply to make a permanent change to your licence
- Apply to relocate a store
- Apply to make a permanent change to a licensee
- Apply to make a structural change
- Submit a tied house notification
- Submit a dormancy notification
Some changes require a fee. All changes can be submitted in the liquor and cannabis licensing portal.
See below for each type of licence change.
Change
Apply to make a permanent change to a licensee
You must apply for the LCRB's approval within 10 days of making the changes listed below.
- Changes in ownership of shares
- Amalgamation of the corporation, holding company or subsidiary
- Change of directors/officers/senior managers
- Each new director/officer must pass cannabis security screening and financial integrity checks.
- Licensee name changes (legal entity name)
Application fee varies.
Relocate a store
You may apply to relocate your store anywhere in the province. The area's local government or Indigenous Nation must approve the location.
If you are relocating to another unit in the same building, a relocation application is required.
Parcel Identifier (PID)
A PID identifies the parcel of real property where a store is located. It is either a nine-digit number or a legal description of the property.
Property on Indigenous Nation land may not have a PID. In this case, you must provide information identifying the parcel from the Indigenous Nation's land registry.
You can find the property's PID
- On the title to the property
- Through the B.C. Land Title and Survey Authority
- On the tax assessment notice from BC Assessment
- On BC Assessment’s e-value website
- On the municipal tax notice
- On the property lease
Property ownership or lease
Your relocation application must demonstrate that you, either:
- Own the property
- Lease the property
- Have an agreement to purchase or lease the property
- Have a different property arrangement in place, such as a sublease
If you have an agreement to purchase or lease the property, the property must be purchased or leased before a licence can be issued. Leases or other property arrangements must be in place for at least 12 months from the time you receive your licence.
Application fee: $220.
A cannabis store must be a self-contained business. Learn about shopping malls and shared vestibules below.
Make a structural change to the store
Cannabis Retail Store (CRS) licensees must apply to make structural changes that involve:
- Adding, removing, or moving a wall or fixed structure
- Adding, removing, or moving an entrance or exit
- Installing or removing a window
- Enlarging or reducing the size of the retail sales area
- Physical expansion of floor plan
- Adding or removing a shared vestibule with another business
In your structural change application, make sure to upload an updated:
- Floor plan
- Site plan - only if adding or changing a shared vestibule, entrances, exits, and windows
Application fee is $440.
Changes that do not need an application include:
- Making cosmetic changes such as painting, countertops and flooring
- Adding, removing, or moving fixed display cabinets
- Adding, removing, or moving shelves
- Adding, removing, or moving the “point of sale” location
- Moving secured storage from one room to another
- Adding, removing, or moving security cameras
Tied house notification
A tied house is a connection between a federally licensed producer and a licensed cannabis retail store. For more information, see Tied house connections.
Submit a tied house notification within 10 days of the change.
Dormancy notification
Notify us within 10 days of the closure or as soon as you become aware that the closure will be longer than 90 days.
You can find more information in the Dormancy Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 265 KB).
Contact information
Contact our client support team
In Victoria Office
250-952-5787
250-952-5787
In Canada Toll Free
1-866-209-2111
1-866-209-2111
Cannabis licences
LCRBCannabis@gov.bc.ca
LCRBCannabis@gov.bc.ca