Cannabis information for liquor licensees

Find information and rules about cannabis at liquor-licensed establishments.

On this page:

• Cannabis in food and beverages
• Cannabis consumption in a licensed establishment
• Intoxication

Cannabis in food and beverages

Liquor licensees are not permitted to add cannabis (including (CBD oil or extracts) to food or drinks. 

• Only a licensed cannabis retail store or production retail store may sell cannabis. Businesses that do not hold these licences may not sell cannabis.
• Businesses may not add cannabis to products they sell.

Cannabis consumption in a licensed establishment

Find information about where cannabis can be publicly consumed. 

Patios at licensed establishments

Patios at food primary, liquor primary and manufacturer establishments are considered public places (i.e. they are open to the public). Smoking and vaping cannabis is permitted on public patios where smoking and vaping tobacco are already allowed, provided the public patio follows other relevant requirements. These requirements could include local government and/or Indigenous Nation laws, bylaws and other requirements, such as the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and its Regulation.

Indoor spaces at licensed establishments

Smoking or vaping cannabis is not permitted at indoor public places or indoor spaces (whether fully or substantially enclosed) where staff or volunteers work.

Consuming cannabis on an establishment's outdoor property

Generally, a person can smoke or vape cannabis in an outdoor space. This may include an outdoor place where people work. Examples of these places could include tour areas or picnic areas of a winery, a licensed playing area of a golf course, etc.

If the establishment designates cannabis smoking or vaping areas, remember that cannabis smoking or vaping is not allowed within six metres of a doorway, window or air intake.

A liquor-licensed establishment can have a house policy that prohibits cannabis smoking or vaping on its outdoor property or limits it to certain areas. This applies to properties of any size.

• Enforcing a house policy prohibiting smoking or vaping cannabis on an establishment's outdoor property is the licensee's responsibility as such policies are outside the jurisdiction of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

Note:  A person may have a Heath Canada Authorization for medical cannabis. Given that medical cannabis use is protected, a liquor licensee may seek independent legal advice before seeking to establishing any house policies related to medical cannabis.

Private liquor licensed establishments

Because private member-licensed establishments are for members and their guests only, these establishments are private places. Some examples of private member-licensed establishments include:

• Private member golf courses
• Liquor Primary Clubs
• Food Primary Clubs

These private liquor-licensed establishments can generally allow cannabis smoking or vaping on patios or in outdoor spaces as long as:

• The space is not fully or substantially enclosed.
• Cannabis smoking or vaping doesn’t take place within six metres of a doorway, window or air intake.

Private member-licensed establishments may choose to allow cannabis smoking or vaping in any outdoor area, or may designate specific outdoor smoking areas. They may also choose to prohibit cannabis smoking or vaping anywhere on-site. It is the establishment’s responsibility to enforce any such policies as they are beyond the jurisdiction of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

Note: A person may have a Heath Canada Authorization for medical cannabis. Given that medical cannabis use is protected, a liquor licensee may seek independent legal advice before seeking to establishing any house policies related to medical cannabis.

Possessing cannabis in a liquor licensed establishment

There is no prohibition on possessing cannabis in a liquor-licensed establishment. A person 19 years of age or older can possess up to 30 grams of dried non-medical cannabis, or its equivalent (e.g. oils, edibles), in a public place.

A house policy provides licensees, managers and staff with the procedures and practical tactics to be used in different alcohol-service situations. A liquor licensee may have a house policy to prohibit someone from possessing cannabis in an establishment; however, having personal possession of up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) is allowed by law. Enforcing such a house policy is the licensee’s responsibility.

Note: A person with a Health Canada authorization for medical cannabis may be allowed to possess cannabis over the personal possession limits noted above.

Given that medical cannabis use is protected under law, a liquor licensee may seek independent legal advice before establishing any house policies or restricting possession of Health Canada authorized medical cannabis within their establishment.

Intoxication

Licensees cannot sell or serve liquor to an intoxicated person. They also cannot allow an intoxicated person to enter a liquor service or consumption area. These rules apply whether the intoxication is caused by cannabis, alcohol or any other substance.

Smelling cannabis, or liquor, on a person does not necessarily mean someone is intoxicated, but it can indicate that the licensee or their staff should monitor the person for signs of intoxication. Remember that cannabis products can be taken orally and there may not be a smell of cannabis on the person.

Learn more about preventing liquor or cannabis sales to an intoxicated person.