A Special Event Permit (SEP) is required for an event organizer or host (i.e., individual, organization or business) to sell or serve liquor in a location that is not a
The host or organizer of the event must apply for a SEP. A permit cannot be issued to a person or business (i.e., liquor service provider) that is not the organizer of the event.
Selling liquor includes direct and indirect charges for liquor
A SEP is commonly issued for a:
Visit Special event permittee resources and information to learn whether your event requires a SEP.
An additional fee may be required where a liquor inspector has worked with event organizers or if your event requires a liquor inspector to attend. Inspector service fees will be billed after the event.
A special event permittee must not consume liquor at the event.
At SEP events, patrons must not bring their own liquor. "Bring Your Own Booze" and self-service of liquor by patrons is not allowed. All liquor must be purchased using the permit from an authorized source and served by certified servers.
All individuals hosting or serving liquor at a SEP event – including family events - are required to complete a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training program.
Anyone that holds a valid SIR certification does not need to take the SES program.
You can still apply for a SEP if you don’t have your certificate yet. However, you cannot host your event until you complete the course and pass the exam.
You must follow B.C.’s liquor laws and the SEP terms and conditions at all times (specific terms and conditions may be printed on your permit). Make sure to review the:
Events that do not require police or LCRB review are approved automatically. Approval times can vary depending on the size and complexity of the event.
Submitting your SEP application 30 days in advance is strongly recommended. If the SEP requires an exemption your application should be submitted no later than 14 days prior to your event start date.
Local police will review event applications in the portal with:
The police may recommend additional terms and conditions for the permit should they identify potential public safety concerns, subject to LCRB approval.
Before applying for a SEP, check with the event facility or property to confirm that liquor service is permitted for the venue or if other local rules apply. Common examples include events at municipal parks, recreation centres and civic plazas.
The LCRB may request confirmation that the local authority approves during the application or after your SEP has been issued. If you do not provide confirmation, your permit may be refused or cancelled.
The LCRB will work with you and local authorities to determine whether approval can be granted. This may include adding approval conditions that were not part of the original permit application or that change or restrict the permit.
You must have written permission from the local government authority if you plan to provide liquor service at an event on land or premises owned by a
Written permission from the local authority needs to be kept on-site at the event to ensure it is available for inspection. Read more about local approvals on the Special event permittee resources and information page.
BC Services Card
B.C. residents who are eligible for a BC Services Card must use one to log into the Special Event Permit application portal.
Visit BC Services Card to learn:
If you have a BC Services Card mobile app on your mobile device, you are no longer required to visit a physical Service BC office to verify your identity. You have the option to have your identity verified by video call using an iPhone, iPad or Android device. You can find instructions on the BC Services Card website.
Applicants with a BC Services Card and a mobile device can find instructions to set up their mobile BC Services Card at How to Set Up a Mobile Card.
BCeID
You must have a BCeID to log in to the Special Event Permit application portal if you are
For help setting up your BCeID or BC Services Card to log into the SEP application portal, please contact the BCeID Help Desk. LCRB staff cannot assist with setting up a BCeID.
Learn which BCeID is right for you below.
Show 2 itemsComplete the online application and fee payment by logging in to the Special Event Permit (SEP) application portal.
Please see below for technical support with the portal.
Once your permit is approved, you can download it in the SEP application portal.
You must follow B.C. liquor laws and the terms and conditions of your SEP at all times. Be sure to review
Before your event date, contact local authorities for additional rules that may apply to your event.
Once your SEP application is approved, you can buy liquor for your event.
All liquor sold and served at a SEP event must be purchased from one of the following:
UBrew and UVin products can be served (but not sold) at an event licensed under a family or hobbyist competition SEP.
You cannot permit guests to bring their own liquor to your event.
You must keep the following documents on-site at your event:
On your event day, you should print, sign, and post your SEP in the designated liquor service area. You must also display, as applicable
Refer to the terms and conditions for more information on each document.
Learn more about site plans and security plans below.
Show 1 itemAfter your event:
Read the SEP PST page and find more information on liquor sales on the BC Ministry of Finance website or by telephone at 1-877-388-4440.
You may return unused and un-opened product purchased from BC Liquor Stores back to the point of purchase. Liquor product returns after an event are subject to the Liquor Distribution Branch’s Product Return Policy and restocking fee.
You have up to 60 days after your event to submit a summary of event revenues and expenses along with proof that proceeds, after expenses paid, were directed to a charitable purpose. You can submit your own report, financial statements or complete the Charity Fund-Raising Event Revenue Report:
Proof of proceeds can include: a letter, cancelled cheque or newspaper article.
Read more about charitable fundraisers on the Special event permittee resources and information page.
The answer to your question can likely be found on the Special event permittee resources page. If you can't find the answer online, contact the LCRB's SEP support team.
