BC Primary Liquor License Application: Key Points for Your Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is one of the most important parts of a BC primary liquor license application. The letter describes the purpose of a proposed business and must include detailed descriptions of many aspects of the operation. The letter of intent is submitted to the local government (municipality or First Nations) where the business will be located before the BC primary liquor license application is submitted to the BC Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (BCLCRB).

Once the municipality has provided a resolution – an approval, denial, or commentary (sometimes requiring the applicant to take other steps to satisfy the local government) – the liquor license application may be submitted to the BCLCRB.

BC Primary Liquor License Application Steps

The following must be included in the liquor license application package:

• Completed application form
• Letter of intent
• 2 copies of the establishment floor plan with optional occupant load
• Site map including location, property features, parking, street access, other liquor businesses operating at the location
• Applicant information, including personal history, criminal records search, corporate documents
• Proposed business signage and directional signage examples
• Family food services if minors are to be permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian until 10 pm
• Patio(s) if relevant
• Additional information you think is relevant for local government and BCLCRB to consider Additional information should be labelled by the BC liquor primary license application’s question number
• Take the completed BC liquor license application and supporting documents to the municipality, local government, or First Nations government
• Local government then completes Part 8 of the application form
• Submit the application package to BCLCRB

Primary BC Liquor License Letter of Intent

In the letter of intent, you must include:

• The primary focus of your business
• If liquor service is not the primary focus of your business (e.g. in the case of spas, retail stores), you must include the hours of your operation and the hours that your business will switch to liquor service at specific times
• List of entertainment your business offers
• Type of food service. BC primary liquor license holders must always provide a variety of cold and hot snacks and non-alcoholic beverage sales
• Description of the composition of the neighbourhood in which the business will operate
• Potential for noise or other disturbances
• Steps your business will take to ensure neighbours are not disturbed by your operation or its patrons
• Requests for additional licensing known as “endorsements”
• Any other information you feel is relevant to your application approval

Example of Primary BC Liquor License Application Approved by a Municipality

Because BC liquor license applications become public documents when submitted to local government, there are a few floating around on the internet. Looking at a BC primary liquor license application that has been approved by local government provides some insight. Not only do you see a good example of a letter of intent, you also see exactly how the local government is involved, including a description of any input from the public after a public notice.

View a sample letter of intent for a Richmond BC Karaoke bar included in an application that was subsequently approved by Richmond City Council. See Attachment 1 on page 5 of the PDF.

Thrive Advisors Will Help You Get It Right the First Time!

If you’re considering applying for a BC liquor license, reach out the Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors. Rebecca Hardin, CEO, and lead liquor license consultant has a reputation for kickin’ butt in BC’s highly competitive markets. Since the early 2000s, Rebecca has helped countless BC liquor businesses succeed because of her knowledge and get ‘er done attitude. Thrive doesn’t just “get ‘er done” though; we get it done right, the first time, saving our clients the stress, time, and cost of BC liquor license application rejection.