In the context of liquor and cannabis licensing, a seizure occurs when Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) compliance and enforcement inspector(s) confiscate any relevant evidence (generally liquor or cannabis) found in connection with a contravention of the applicable legislation, regulations and terms and conditions.
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Under B.C. law, liquor can be seized where there has been a contravention of the applicable law.
Peace officers and LCRB inspectors can seize liquor.
LCRB inspectors may seize liquor if
LCRB inspectors may seize liquor from individuals for a number of reasons, some examples include:
Liquor seized by LCRB inspectors is either destroyed or kept in storage. If your liquor is destroyed, and it is found out later that the seizure was unlawful, you will be compensated for the loss.
If you had liquor seized by the LCRB and want it returned or want compensation for destroyed liquor,
Compensation rates
For commercially manufactured liquor
For liquor not manufactured commercially (UBrew and UVin)
You can apply by submitting an application for the return of seized liquor or by writing a letter.
By application form
General Manager, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
PO Box 9292 Stn Provincial Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J8
By letter
General Manager, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
PO Box 9292 Stn Provincial Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J8
Under B.C. law, cannabis can be seized where there has been a contravention of the applicable law.
Peace officers and Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) inspectors can seize cannabis from licensed or authorized cannabis retail stores.
LCRB inspectors may seize cannabis from a licensed or authorized cannabis retail store for a number of reasons, including:
CSU inspectors may seize cannabis from unlicensed or unauthorized retailers or persons who possess the cannabis in violation of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.
For rules about cannabis seizures from individuals, visit
If your cannabis is destroyed and it is found out later that the seizure was unlawful, you will be compensated for the loss.
You need to apply if you want to have your cannabis returned or want compensation for destroyed cannabis.
Find out more about the seizure process from an unlicensed or unauthorized cannabis retail store by visiting Community Safety Unit
You have 30 days to apply to the general manager of the LCRB to have your cannabis returned or want compensation for destroyed cannabis.
The 30 days starts from the time your cannabis was seized
If there has been a violation ticket issued, a contravention notice, or a charge laid under the CCLA
Compensation rates
If the cannabis seized by LCRB inspectors has been destroyed, the compensation is based on the purchase price of the seized cannabis.
You can apply by submitting an application for the return of seized cannabis or by writing a letter.
By application form
General Manager, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
PO Box 9292 Stn Provincial Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J8
By letter
General Manager, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
PO Box 9292 Stn Provincial Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J8
For more information about claiming seized liquor or cannabis, contact the LCRB.
Find the liquor and cannabis inspector's regional office, or