Opening a Liquor Store in BC? Here’s What You’ll Need

As BC liquor license consultants, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors has worked with many liquor store licensees during the startup phase and long after the store opens for business. Opening a private retail liquor store involves many steps and there is a lot to keep track of.

Buying a BC Liquor Store License is Currently the Only Option

Currently, no new applications are being accepted for Licensee Retail Stores (i.e. private liquor store). The BC Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has placed a freeze on new LRS licenses until July 1, 2032. See the LCRB Licensee Retail Store page.

While you can’t apply for a new LRS license, you can buy an existing license. Below, we have outlined the steps involved.

Find Liquor Store License for Sale

Although you may find an LRS license for sale online (i.e. business websites, Craigslist), Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors also maintains lists of LRS licenses for sale. Most of the time, buying a liquor store means buying the license, the store and assets.

Getting a referral about an LRS for sale from Thrive Advisors has several advantages:

• The opportunity has been pre-screened. We won’t refer a store that hasn’t passed our initial scrutiny
• Our liquor licensing consultants can take the lead and guide you through the purchase journey
• We can provide guidance during negotiation of the sale
• We help buyers apply for any required license amendments

License Transfer

When the purchase has been completed:

• The current licensee initiates the LRS license transfer to the “proposed licensee” (buyer) by logging into the liquor and cannabis licensing portal and submitting the buyer’s business name and email address.
• LCRB notifies the buyer to proceed with the license transfer.
• The buyer completes LCRB requirements for the transfer (see “New LRS Licensee Application” Requirements).

Important!

A buyer does not have to be a BC citizen or resident, but the buyer must have a CRA business number.
The buyer must also register for a BCeID which is needed to log into the liquor and cannabis licensing portal.

New LRS Licensee Application Requirements

The buyer of the LRS license must pay an application fee and submit many documents, which vary depending on the requirements for their business type (sole proprietorships, partnerships and private or public corporations). All liquor license applications require the following:

• Canadian criminal record check
• Personal history form
• Statutory declaration
• Driver’s abstract

Once you have all of the documents required of your business type, you’ll also have to submit:

• A sample liquor store sign
• “Proof of valid interest” including the Certificate of Title if the applicant owns the property, and an executed offer to lease the property or offer to purchase the property.

Source: “Transfer a liquor license”, BC Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch.

Renovations or Relocation

If the LRS application is approved, the new licensee can operate the turnkey store “as is”, which requires no additional steps. However, if you want to change the store’s location or renovate, you’ll have to amend the liquor license.

Thrive Makes Acquiring a Liquor Store in BC Easier Than You Think

If you’re considering buying a liquor store, having a Thrive liquor license consultant on your team streamlines the process, saving you frustration, time, and costly “do-overs”. Whether you need help finding an LRS license for sale or transferring a license, we make it easier than you think!