The Importance of Liquor License Compliance in Restaurants with High Staff Turnover
February 29, 2024
Cannabis Consumption Spaces Now Permitted in BC. Are Indoor Consumption Lounges Next?
March 15, 2024
On February 14, 2024, LCRB announced in Bulletin 24-01 that Cannabis Retail Stores (CRS) and Producer Retail Stores (PRS) may promote places to consume cannabis. These cannabis-friendly spaces allow customers to consume cannabis and remain within the site after consuming. This includes licensed liquor establishment patios where smoking and vaping tobacco is already permitted.
The BC government quietly announced the changes in the bulletin without an accompanying news release. The changes are likely a result of industry advocacy and feedback from the Cannabis Consumption Spaces Public Engagement of 2022, which culminated in a “What We Heard Report”.
Bulletin-24-01 Highlights
The following is a summary of notable changes. Please refer to the bulletin for details.
- Changes apply only to CRS and PRS licensees
- Cannabis consumption is still not permitted in the cannabis store
- Licensees may “promote a place to consume cannabis or to spend time after consuming cannabis” (e.g. a picnic area)
- The picnic area may not be part of the establishment
- Smoking and vaping cannabis on public patios is now allowed anywhere smoking and vaping tobacco are already allowed (subject to local or Indigenous government bylaws)
- CRS and PRS can promote the outdoor consumption space at another business
CRS and PRS licensee handbooks have been updated to reflect these changes.
Source: “LCRB Bulletin 24-01: Promoting cannabis-friendly spaces and consuming cannabis on public patios”, February 14, 2024.
Is Your Outdoor Cannabis Consumption Space Ready?
On March 5, 2024 Global News reported that a Penticton cannabis store may be the first to capitalize on the opportunity, with plans to open a cannabis consumption patio on April 20 (4/20 day).
If you’d like to understand if your liquor establishment patio could be cannabis-friendly, connect with Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors and we can help to ensure your patio meets LCRB and municipal requirements.
