Apply for an Agent licence

For liquor agents and importers to market and take wholesale orders

What you'll need

Overview

The purpose of the Agent licence is to promote and market liquor products produced by manufacturers outside of British Columbia.

There are two separate licences you need to be an authorized agent: 

  1. Agent licence from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
  2. Import Agent licence from the Liquor Distribution Branch

Fees

The application fee is $220.

Refunds

Refunds for liquor licence fees may be available if the:

  • Application has not started processing
  • Branch has made an error
  • Application was submitted in error
  • Applicant has overpaid

A local government or First Nation rejecting an application is not grounds for a refund. To request a refund, contact the client support team. 

Terms and conditions

Review the Agent Licence Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 284KB) and guidelines for liquor advertising and promotion to understand the terms and conditions of your licence.

An Agent's licence allows you to promote, market and take wholesale orders for liquor products manufactured out-of-province. Agents may solicit and receive orders from: 

  • Liquor Primary licensees
  • Food Primary licensees
  • Licensee Retail Stores and Rural Licensee Retail Stores
  • Wine Stores
  • Government liquor stores
  • Non-profit liquor clubs

Agents and their employees may not

  • Sell liquor products directly to the public
  • Import liquor products directly*

*Liquor products may only be imported through the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).

Apply

1

Check requirements for your business type

The applicant needs to submit documents based on their business type: 

The business types include:

  • Sole proprietorship
  • Private corporation
  • Partnership
  • Public corporation
  • Society or non-profit corporation
  • Other applicant types

Check below to see what's required for your business type.

2

Apply online with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch

You will need:

  • Valid agreement to represent an import supplier
  • Photocopies of proof of identity for each individual on your application
  • Relevant business documents based on your application
  • Payment 

You must include a Personal History Summary as part of your application.

As part of the Personal History Summary, attach the following documents, if required

Apply online

3

Submit an Import Agent application to Liquor Distribution Branch

You must also submit an Import Agent application package to the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Please visit https://wholesale.bcldb.com/new-agents for instructions.

If you have questions about LDB's application, please contact: 

It's mandatory to apply with both the LCRB and the LDB. 

 

4

Receive your Agent licence - LCRB and Import Agent licence - LDB

Once the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) approves your Agent licence, the LCRB will send your licence confirmation directly to the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). The LDB will proceed with your Import Agent application. 

It is your responsibility to work with LDB to obtain an Import Agent licence.

Amend your licence

If you already have a licence and want to make changes, find out how to

Contact information

Contact the client support team.

Victoria Phone
250-952-5787
In Canada Toll Free
1-866-209-2111
Liquor licences
LCRBLiquor@gov.bc.ca