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Separation Between Liquor Retailers and Other Businesses

Recent changes in BC Liquor Regulations should positively impact the following licence types if you are planning renovations to you Liquor retail Store or Area:

  • Liquor Retail Stores (LRS)
  • Wine Stores
  • Rural Licensee Retail Stores (RLRS)

Liquor retail licensees were previously required to physically separate their stores from other businesses using floor-to-ceiling walls.

In response to licensee feedback, the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation has been amended to allow Licensee Retail Stores and Wine Stores to be separated from any other business in a manner satisfactory to the general manager of LCRB

When reviewing the proposed separation method, LCRB will review:

  • Method of separation;
  • Nature of the adjoining business(es) (e.g., whether the adjacent businesses cater to minors);
  • How patrons are prevented from entering the other business and accessing products from the other business; and,
  • Other factors that may be relevant to public safety and interest.

This change should provide more flexibility in how liquor retail licensees are separated from other businesses.

If you are planning structural changes to any Licensed Areas please do reach out to see how these, and other regulations impact upon your vision for the business. The steps below are key to bringing your vision to life:

Have a Plan – a list of what you want to achieve.

Set a budget, remembering to factor in fees you may have to pay to make changes to your licence.

Have a Time Line for your project.

We can help put much of this in place with regard to Licensing; and help you navigate the required LCRB and some Local Government applications, that you may need to proceed.

 

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