Restaurant Regulations Made Easy in BC
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439 Helmcken Street
Vancouver V6B 2E6
British Columbia
Canada
Tel 604-669-2239
Fax 604-669-6175
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MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR LIQUOR LICENCE

If you plan on making changes to your business, keep in mind that some of these may affect your liquor licence and  you must apply to the Liquor Licensing Branch for approval.  Many of the changes listed here will also require City Hall to comment, If you see a * it means City Hall must comment on the application. Go to the bottom of the page for instructions.

PERMANENT CHANGES

You must apply to Liquor Licensing for a permanent change if you do any of the following:

  • Move to a new location
  • Want to extend your hours of liquor service*
  • Want to add patron-participation entertainment such as dancing or karaoke*

If you want to change your location, be sure you check the zoning! Go to the Zoning page for more information about meeting zoning requirements.

NAME CHANGES

If you wish to change any names on record at the Liquor Licensing Branch or if the names they have are not current, you must apply for approval to: 

  • To change the name of your restaurant
  • Change your name as it appears on the licence
  • Change any other name, such as a company or shareholder, receiver or executor or if you transfer shares
  • To lease your restaurant so it will be operated by another person or company
  • Change your resident manager (only for people who live outside BC)

RENOVATIONS AND EXPANSIONS

You must apply for a permanent change to your licence If you want to:

  • Change your floor plan*
  • Add on to or change the structure of your restaurant*
  • Increase your seating capacity*
  • Add an outdoor patio*
  • Add a lounge*

TEMPORARY CHANGES

You must apply for a temporary change to your licence if you want to:

  • Extend your hours of liquor sales for a special event
  • Want to serve liquor in an area of your restaurant where liquor isn't normally served, for a special  event

CITY HALL'S INVOLVEMENT

*City Hall must be given an opportunity to comment on both permanent and temporary changes. Take your Liquor Licensing application for change (permanent or temporary) to City Hall and ask them to (1) sign and date your application for a change and (2) send a copy of a resolution commenting on your application directly to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch within 90 days (this comment goes directly from City Hall to Liquor Licensing. You do not send it)

The forms you will need to apply for your permanent or temporary changes are available to download .