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February 25, 2019If you’re a liquor manufacturer in BC or Alberta (winery, brewery or distillery) you may be wondering what kind of liquor license(s) you require. We’re frequently asked whether a manufacturer license allows you to run a tasting room and lounge on the manufacturing premises. The answer is “Yes” and “No”.
Definitions
Manufacturer’s Tasting Room: a tasting room allows your business to provide liquor tasting samples which are consumed on-premises in a dedicated sampling area, or during guided tours of your facility.
Manufacture’s Lounge: a lounge is dedicated indoor area or patio area where you may serve alcohol made on-site for customers to consume.
Rules and regulations for liquor manufacture licenses vary from province to province, so we’ve outlined the basics of tasting room vs. lounge licensing in BC and Alberta, because we provide most of our liquor license application consultation services for businesses in those provinces.
BC Liquor Manufacturer License, Lounges and Tasting Rooms
Wineries, breweries and distilleries in BC must have a Manufacturer license.
Tasting room license
The BC liquor manufacturer license also allows your business to have a “dedicated sampling area” (tasting room), provide guided tours, and serve liquor samples to guests on tours.
Lounge license
A BC liquor manufacturer’s lounge may apply to operate from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. the following day. Hours approvals are dependent upon the municipality rules and guidelines.
See the BC liquor manufacturer license handbook (PDF).
Alberta Liquor Manufacturer License, Lounges and Tasting Rooms
In Alberta, distillers, vintners and brewers must have an Alberta liquor manufacturer license known as a “Class E license”.