The Narrow Path to Starting a Liquor Store or Wine Store in BC

Starting a liquor store or wine store in BC is not the straightforward process that you might assume. In this blog post, we’ll unpack the facts about BC wine store and liquor store licensing and will summarize how a business can open either type of store in the province.

The Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch administers three types of wine or liquor store licenses: Licensee Retail Store (private liquor store), Wine Store, and Special Wine Store. We say “administers” because in reality, LCRB is not currently accepting new applications for the three license types. There is an open-ended freeze on Wine Store and Special Wine Store license applications, and a freeze until July 1, 2032 on new Licensee Retail Store applications.

Because a business can’t apply for a new wine store or liquor store license, the only options for startups are: 1) buy an existing LRS, 2) buy an existing Independent Wine Store, or 3) convert an Independent Wine Store to an LRS. “Specialty Wine Stores” are not included in the preceding options because they are owned by big box grocers and operate within a chain’s grocery store, therefore they are beyond the reach of start-ups.

Buy a Private Liquor Store (LRS)

Buying an LRS is currently the only way to start a liquor store in BC. When you buy an existing Licensee Retail Store, you are actually buying a turnkey store in most cases, including the LRS license, inventory and other assets while also taking over the lease. As part of the purchase agreement, the LRS license is transferred to the buyer once the buyer’s completed application is approved. The application process for the buyer is much the same as it was for the seller. The buyer and their partners will have to submit a personal history summary, information about their business type and structure, submit a driver’s abstract and a criminal record check.

Buy an Independent Wine Store

The Wine Store license is for either a winery, group of wineries, Vintners Quality Alliance, a Tourist Wine Store or an Independent Wine Store. For practical purposes, only the Independent Wine Store is included in this discussion. When you buy an Independent Wine Store, you are buying a turnkey operation including its license, inventory and assets, while also taking over the lease. The IWS license is transferred to the buyer once the buyer’s application is approved. The application process includes submitting personal information, company information, driver’s abstract and criminal record check.

For more information about the transfer of a wine store license or liquor store license, view the following LCRB resources:

• “Transfer a liquor license” web page.
• “Guide for Transfer of License Application (PDF).

Convert an Independent Wine Store to an LRS

Independent Wine Store licensees that would like to operate a private liquor store can convert an IWS license to a liquor store license. The application deadline for license conversion is 4:30pm March 31, 2025. Licensees can use their existing location without respect to the usual “1km separation” rule. If the IWS licensee converts to an LRS and moves the location, the new location must not be within 1km of another LRS, BC Liquor Store, proposed location of another LRS or BCLS (see Policy Directive 20-16 link below).

Resources for further reading.

• Convert IWS to LRS application form (PDF).
• Policy Directive 20-16: “Conversion of Independent Wine Stores to Licensee Retail Stores”.

Start a Liquor Store or Wine Store in BC. Thrive Makes it Easier than You Think!

If you’re interested in buying a liquor store or wine store in BC, Thrive liquor license consultants can guide you every step of the way. Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors knows of stores for sale on the market, provides liquor license application support, operational strategy and compliance audits. Our services are used by successful liquor businesses throughout British Columbia.