Apply for a liquor licence or permit

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

You need a liquor licence or permit to sell liquor in B.C.

Find information about how to apply for your liquor licence or permit.

If you want to alter or change your liquor licence, visit amend a liquor licence.

Liquor licensees can also appoint a representative to oversee the day-to-day operation of their business. Find out what specific actions a representative can take on your behalf.

Apply or amend a liquor licence or permit

Liquor Primary licence

For businesses wanting to offer liquor service

Food Primary licence

For restaurants, bistros, cafes and other businesses primarily serving food

Manufacturer licence

For businesses making wine, cider, beer (including brew pubs), or spirits

Find out about liquor sales at artisan and farm markets.

Liquor Special Event Permit

For event hosts wanting to offer liquor service at special events.

Catering licence

For businesses that cater food and beverages

Agent licence

For businesses that promote, market and take wholesale orders for liquor products.

Rural Licensee Retail Store licence

For general stores to sell packaged liquor in rural communities and tourist destination resorts.

UBrew and UVin licence

For business that allow customers to ferment-on-premises.

Ethyl Alcohol Purchase Permit

For mechanical or manufacturing businesses wanting to use ethyl alcohol.

Non-beverage alcohol exemption

For people who sell, supply, purchase or use non-beverage alcohol products

Liquor Charitable Auction Permit

For non-profits wanting to auction liquor at an event.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is not accepting new applications for

Wine store licence

Wine stores are separate retail stores that sell wine. There is an open-ended freeze on new wine stores and the government is not accepting new wine store licence applications.

Special wine store licence

A special wine store licence allows for wine to be sold on selected shelves of a grocery store. There is an open-ended freeze on new wine stores and the government is not accepting new special wine store licence applications.

Licensee retail store licence

A licensee retail store licence allows for liquor to be sold for private consumption. There is an open-ended freeze on new licensee retail stores and the government is not accepting new licensee retail store licence applications.

Did you find what you were looking for?

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.