Representation by women has slowly started to increase across many industries, although some areas are still struggling to create an equal workspace. This is particularly true when it comes to leadership positions in some companies. Fortunately, cannabis is one of the outliers here. It has been an industry where women have thrived and will hopefully continue to do so.

However, in recent years, the number of women in the cannabis industry has slipped somewhat. It’s down from what it was in 2015, and many feel the reason for this was the influx of capital into the field. It became easier for the “standard”—older, white men—to get loans and to start working in the field. Still, quite a few women are doing important work in the field who are paving the way for more women in the future.

Influential Leaders in the Cannabis Field

What better way to learn more about the women working in cannabis than by learning more about some of the most successful. Here are just a few of the names you should know.

Rachel Colic

Colic is the found and brand strategist for Boss Ladies of Cannabis, which is a database of female cannabis executives. She’s run her company for 15 years, but it’s just in the last six years that she’s focused on cannabis. She’s consulting on cannabis for international businesses.

Kate Miller

She is the co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass, and she’s been working in the field for well over a decade. When she was going to the University of California, she was working as a medical cannabis budtender, and she saw early on that there was a lot of potential in this field. She went to work on Miss Grass in 2017 and was part of what made it a success.

Some of the other women who have made great strides in various parts of the industry include Brett Heyman, Kristi Palmer, Nidhi Lucky Handa, Mary Pryor, and Christina Beehler to name just a handful.

Melissa Wilcox

Wilcox works as a global sales and market development manager at Regis Technologies. The company develops and promotes methods of separating chiral compounds like cannabinoids. She works on the scientific and technical side of things, which is just as exciting as other areas of the business.

What to Expect in the Cannabis Industry

In 2019, a survey found that women held about a third of the senior-level jobs in the industry, which is great but is still less than it should be. Many men have started to move into the field, which is reducing the number of opportunities for women. Those opportunities are still there, but they are not as expansive as they were five years ago.

The influx of more men into the field has brought with it some of the same problems that have affected other industries for so long. This includes harassment and gender discrimination. Weedmaps put out a survey and found that most of the people who responded said they were subject to some type of harassment in the workplace. This often led to conflicts, which affected the performance of the company.

Because there are still so many women in the field, though, it’s a good sign. The women are working to support their peers, and in some cases, they are taking a greater role in trying to create more welcoming company cultures. Doing so will help them to bring on more high-quality talent.

One of the areas where there is still a struggle is communication. Many who feel they aren’t being treated right or that they are being harassed are silent about it at work. Lack of communication can cause smaller issues to become bigger conflicts that will cause greater issues at the company. Action needs to be taken quickly, and this means better communication and improved responses from managers, executives, and human resources. This is true regardless of the size of the company.

There are still plenty of great opportunities available for women in the cannabis industry. Those women who are already in the field will need to work toward bringing these new players aboard the team and shepherding them through their careers.

Anyone who wants to sell or supply alcohol is required to have a liquor license. This is true for organisations, businesses, and individuals alike. These licenses are mandatory, and they need to be kept in good standing for those who want to continue serving and selling alcohol.

What Is a Liquor License?

Just as you need a license to drive a motor vehicle, you need to have a license if you want to supply alcohol to a business or an individual. All manner of businesses involved in the sale of alcohol will need to have a license. This includes individual agents, restaurants, liquor stores, bars, breweries, etc. The type of license that you will need will differ, though. Let’s look at what types of liquor licenses exist today and learn a bit more about each of them.

What Types of Liquor Licenses Exist?

Below are six types of liquor licenses, and each applies to different situations.

Agent

An agent license is used by those who are going to be promoting and marketing liquor products that are produced by manufacturers outside of Canada. Interestingly, you will need to have two types of licenses if you want to be an authorized agent. These include the Agent License from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, as well as an Import Agent License from the Liquor Distribution Branch.

The agent’s license will let you promote, market, and take wholesale orders for products. You can request and receive orders only from certain licensees. These include those who have a liquor primary license, a food primary license, licensee retail stores, and rural licensee stores, wine stores, and government liquor stores.

You are not allowed to sell directly to the public, and you can only import liquor products through the Liquor Distribution Branch.

Food Primary/Class A

This license is for businesses that have food as their primary source of business. There are a couple of types of licenses that fall under this category—those that allow minors into the establishment, such as a family restaurant that also sells alcohol, and those where liquor is the main source of business and food is secondary.

For a minors-allowed license, the food service must be available during all hours of liquor service. For the minors-prohibited license, the food service must be a minimum of snack food, such as nuts. Food service is not required after 11 p.m. There are also options for a manufacturer’s taproom license and a manufacturer’s lounge license.

Liquor Primary/Class B

Class B licenses are for the sale and consumption of alcohol in areas where people have to pay to enter. This would include things such as a stadium, a tourist location, or a convention center, for example. It can also be used by businesses that provide goods and services to the public where selling alcohol or food is not the primary purpose of their business.

Liquor Manufacturing/Class E

This is a license used for manufacturing. The Class E license can be used by a vintner, brewer, or distiller, for example. These are areas where the alcohol is manufactured and packaged. To qualify for the license, you will need to have a permanent facility. What types of liquor licenses exist beyond just for the manufacturer? You will find these can include estate manufacturers, as well as blending and packaging companies.

Liquor Retail Store/Class D

The Class D license is needed by any store that sells alcohol that is meant to be consumed off the premises. Retail liquor stores are the primary types of businesses that would need this license. The same is true of grocery stores. This could also include a facility that makes and sells alcohol to the public or special event liquor licensees. Delivery service companies, commercial caterers, and even church supply businesses that sell sacramental wine will need this type of license.

Tied House

A tied house liquor license is becoming more popular because there are more and more wineries, distilleries, and breweries that are offering places on-site where people can buy and sample the company’s wares. With a tied house license, the holder is not required to sell a variety of brands. They can simply sell and serve what they make.

As you can see, there are many types of liquor licenses. Which one of these applies to your business?

The number of cannabis-infused products available in Canada has grown substantially over the past year. Today, it’s possible to find a range of options, such as edibles and even cannabis-based drinks. Drinkable cannabis is growing in popularity for good reason. For starters, some of the biggest beverage makers, such as Molson Coors, along with cannabis producers have been working to create quality brands with great drinks.

You can find quite a few brands that can do different things for you. Let’s explore a few of our favourite cannabis beverages, many of which come from Truss, which is creating five cannabis beverage brands.

XMG

XMG is from Truss, and it is the highest potency cannabis in a can from their line. This beverage was designed with cannabis users in mind who are well-versed in the effects. They say that it produces a mood shift because the high hits hard. It’s a good option for someone who wants to come home, unwind, and turn off the world for a while as they watch TV and relax.

Verywell

Verywell is a brand from Truss that is meant for self-care. Rather than having a lot of THC, this brand features CBD, which is a good option for feeling relaxed without the mind being permeated by the feeling of getting high. This is a popular option for those who simply want to unwind but still be able to get out and function.

House of Terpenes

This is an interesting brand, again from Truss. The goal of this brand was to create a drink that was similar to a mocktail. It allows people to experience and explore the different elements of the plant, just as some beer drinkers get excited about hops. These drinks have 5 mg of THC, which is a relatively high dose. The reason for this was to have it similar to a cocktail, where you might have one or two, not four or five. It’s a good, fun option.

Cann

Cann has become a bestselling cannabis drink that has been growing fast since the company was launched in 2018. This is a low-dose drink that only contains 2 mg of THC per 12 oz. can.

The founders said they went with a lower dose because it was what people were used to with other types of beverages, such as beer. It allows you to have several drinks without feeling too much of the effects all at once. They have found that it provides a more uplifting, happy experience for the drinker. The founders see Cann as being an alternative to something like White Claw.

Benefits and Challenges of Cannabis in a Can

Although cannabis-based drinks are highly popular, there is an interesting problem that appears that it might have been an oversight by the legislators. The laws in Canada only permit people to buy and walk out of a store with a certain amount of cannabis. They can’t have more than five 350 ml cannabis-based drinks. This means that it’s impossible to get six-packs.

You would need to buy the cans or bottles individually or hope there are four-packs available. This presents a challenge to manufacturers and sellers, and it’s thought by many to be an oversight because people making the laws don’t truly understand the industry.

Regardless of this bit of trouble, the beverages like those mentioned above continue to be popular. Why are they so beloved? You’ll find there are quite a few reasons. For starters, cannabis in a can is convenient. It’s easy to carry and it’s easy to consume discreetly. Many people don’t like to smoke, and they feel that this is a better way for them to use cannabis.

Additionally, it tends to take effect faster than an edible. Most will start to feel the effects within 15 minutes to half an hour. With edibles, it could take an hour or longer.

Find Your Favourite

You can find cannabis-based drinks that are available with different doses of THC and CBD with a range of potency levels and tastes. Even though the drinks above are some of our favourites, you will find more and more coming to market in the months and years ahead. Try out several of them to find the ones that you like best.

What are your responsibilities when it comes to serving alcohol? What should you do and what must you avoid? If you are operating a bar or restaurant, you need to be sure you know what you are doing to keep people safe and to ensure you aren’t held liable.

What Is Serving It Right?

Serving It Right is a mandatory self-study course that provides the education managers, servers, and licensees will need whenever they are serving alcohol. It provides them with the knowledge they need and effective techniques that will help to prevent problems associated with overserving customers.

Serving It Right helps to ensure that the service and sale of liquor are done within the bounds of the law, and it keeps everyone safe from harm that could arise from alcohol consumption. The course provides you with a host of liquor service tips to keep everyone happy and safe.

Who Needs Serving It Right?

Before working in a licensed establishment, every licensee, manager, and all staff need to have Serving It Right certification. Some of the examples of types of businesses—and the staff at those businesses—that will need to have people who have certification include:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Stadiums
• Casinos
• Caterers that offer alcohol
• Private liquor stores
• Wine stores
• Duty-free stores
• Manufacturer sampling areas
• Rural agency stores
• Care facilities
• Special event permit holders where alcohol will be served

If you are in doubt over whether you or your staff will need to have Serving It Right certification, you can check with Responsible Service BC.

The Course and the Exam

The course you will take covers a host of topics that are important for those who are working in the industry. Some of the areas that are covered include legal liability, signs of intoxication, reducing overconsumption, reducing impaired driving, preventing the sale of alcohol to a minor, reducing the risk of violence, duty of care (on and off the premises), and the need to create and enforce responsible beverage service policies. The goal is to help get people up to speed with what they need to do when selling or serving alcohol.

The course is available online. It takes four hours and is mobile-friendly, so it can be taken on a phone for those who may not have access to a computer. They do recommend that you complete it on a PC or laptop though, as it will be easier to interact with the course.

The cost for the exam is #35 and includes three attempts at passing the exam. If you don’t pass after the third try, you can pay another $35 to try again.

Below are some tips that will help ensure your establishment is serving alcohol properly and safely.

Tip #1: Know When Someone Is Intoxicated

Sometimes, it is easy to tell when someone has had too much to drink. Other times, it isn’t. You need to look for signs that someone may be acting differently from when they entered the establishment. Notice how they walk, talk, and interact with others to look for signs of intoxication.

Tip #2: Minimize Legal Risk

There are several ways that you can reduce your legal risk. You want to make sure that you control the environment and that you don’t serve anyone who is intoxicated. Watch behaviours and call the police if needed.

Tip #3: Create a House Policy

You should work to create a house policy for serving and selling alcohol that abides by the law. It may even be stricter if you would like. Make sure everyone who is working at the restaurant knows the house policy and enforces the rules fairly for everyone.

Tip #4: Check for ID

You may want to implement a policy that requires the check of two forms of ID to ensure that it’s valid. This reduces the chance of someone using a fake ID to buy alcohol.

Remember the Expiration Date

Keep in mind that the Serving It Right certificate is not good forever. It is only good for five years. At that point, you will need to take the exam again and get a new certificate. You will want to keep the dates of expiration handy for yourself and your employees, so you never have a point where someone doesn’t have proper certification.

The liquor service tips above will help to keep your establishment safe from liability, in compliance with the law, and will keep your customers safe. Serving It Right helps everyone.

On October 17, 2018, Canada legally became the second country to legalize the consumption and sale of recreational cannabis. Since legalization took place, many regulations and legal frameworks have established a set of licenses that deem one legally eligible to hold several positions within the cannabis industry. 

With these Easy Steps to Getting Your Cannabis License for Producers, the process of getting your business up and running will be easier.

The license and permitting depend on the exact position of the licensee is and what their job entails. These are a few of the licenses available throughout Canada in the cannabis industry. 

• A retail cannabis store license is granted for a non-medical retail location that sells recreational cannabis
• A licensed producer, or LP, is an individual certified to grow cannabis. These licenses are granted in specific increments or levels, based on the amount of cannabis the producer will manufacture
• A cannabis marketing license is given to a marketing agent who promotes cannabis products for licensed retailers to purchase and resell 

This is the general framework for the recreational cannabis industry throughout Canada. Regardless of the province, these specific licenses must be obtained by prospective individuals seeking to fulfill the specific duties outlined in the license.

However, the roadmap to these licenses differs based on the area of Canada in question. 

Three Models for Licensing in Canada

Since the date of legalization, Canada has witnessed the birth of three distinct models for licensing in the cannabis industry.

Once the country made recreational cannabis legal, provinces and territories were directly responsible for developing a system for how cannabis is sold and purchased.

This separate responsibility means that each province is different regarding steps for obtaining licensing. 

For example, cannabis license differences in BC and AB aren’t the same as the differences between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. These responsibilities include formulating a method for businesses and individuals obtaining licensing to participate in the recreational cannabis program. 

These three licensing models are as follows. 

1. The Government-Run Model is set up to have the alcohol and gaming agencies be the sole distributors and retailers of recreational cannabis
2. The Request for Proposals model is designed for a select number of retailers to be chosen as authorized cannabis sellers
3. The Free-Market Model grants an ongoing amount of retailers the ability to apply for licensing 

Now that it’s clear how the licensing models work let’s look at two of the biggest regions in Canada and how their systems work. What are some of the cannabis licensing differences in BC and AB? 

Specific Cannabis License Differences in BC and AB

Two of the biggest provinces in Canada use the same type of model in their recreational cannabis industries. Both chose to adopt the Free Market Model, which allows an unlimited amount of retailers to dip their feet into the recreational cannabis pool. 

However, despite using the same model, certain regions could still have different pathways to becoming registered producers or retailers. In the section below, we’ll highlight the cannabis license differences in BC and AB. 

In Alberta, the Alberta, Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission grants licenses. In British Columbia, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch handles its cannabis regulations. 

The biggest notable cannabis license difference in BC and AB is that the reservations have more oversight in British Columbia, while the government has more control in Alberta.

There is currently permission for micro-producers in Alberta, while British Columbia won’t allow delivery by micro-producers until 2022. 

Regardless of the subtle differences in the licensing process, the pathway in each province is essentially identical. The main concern in each region is ensuring the licensee has no prior or current ties to illegal marijuana or organized crime. 

Basic Application Process

There is no cannabis license difference in BC and AB in terms of the initial application process. These are the steps outlined in the initial phases of Getting Your Cannabis License for Producers. 

1. Applicant must become familiar with all local and federal regulations on cannabis sales and production
2. Identify their license class and subclass (this dictates amounts, etc.)
3. Create an account with CTLS
4. Inform all necessary individuals associated with the proposed license holder also to create a CTLS account and apply for security clearance
5. Create a corporate account if necessary
6. Create an application and gather all pertinent information 
7. Submit the application
   

Getting Your Cannabis License for Producers doesn’t have to be a headache with the proper paperwork and background information. Classes in each province train potential producers on growing methods and land use regulations to ensure everything is done according to protocol.

When you wish to apply for any liquor or cannabis-related license, you are required to obtain and use a BCeID (BC Electronic Identification). Applicants log in through the BCeID. All of their personal and business information is accessible within a dashboard that allows them to apply in a few short steps easily. 

What is a BCeID, and why do you need to obtain one to apply? The service is relatively new, and many people are unfamiliar with this service and what residents can accomplish through the signup process. 

Applying for liquor and cannabis licensing isn’t the only industry that requires this digital ID. Honestly, using this service can be beneficial, providing services that make specific processes run smoother and finalize quicker. 

If you haven’t signed up for the BCeID and need more information, we can fill you in. Keep reading for specific information on the BC Electronic Identification and why it’s needed for certain license applications. 

What is a BCeID (BC Electronic Identification)?

The BCeID is an online portal that allows you to signup by inputting relevant information saved to fulfill requirements for certain online documents. There are three different types of BCeIDs. 

Basic BCeID (BC Electronic Identification) 

A Basic BCeID is used to access services in an individual capacity. You can access certain government and community services through a basic version of this ID if they don’t require identity verification. 

Personal BCeID

The Personal BCeID is essentially the same as the basic version, except for one notable difference. The personal version of this service verifies your identity for more sensitive documents that need to be submitted. 

Business BCeID

A Business BCeID is used for all types of business matters. This is the license you would sign up for when you apply for any liquor or cannabis-related licensing. 

What Can I Do With a BCeID (BC Electronic Identification)?

These are some of the services that are provided when you sign up for a BCeID. Remember, all of these can be accessed through the online dashboard once you sign up. 

• Change of address
• Information regarding adoption and child services
• Child care benefits
• Angling, hunting, and trapping licensing
• Autism service providers
• Business-related cannabis and liquor licensing
• Medical and personal cannabis cards and renewals
• Fishing license
• E-payments
• Forestry management
• Vehicle emissions
• Educational work
• Transportation services

The services listed are only a portion of the conveniences provided on the BCeID dashboard. You can handle any government, personal, or business service from one location. This critical electronic service integrates nearly every vital platform for an individual to renew, establish or signup for any service or license. 

How Does it Work?

The BCeID system works by interlinking individuals onto a platform accessed by government organizations and organizations in the community. Educational, financial platforms, social services, assistance programs, agricultural and business sectors are all registered. 

The connection between BC citizens and these services allows for the streamlining of paperwork and registration information. Once you sign up, everything is automated. 

After signing up for the BCeID, you fill out important information regarding personal information like address, phone number, and other vital statistics. You’ll also fill out pertinent information relevant to each section in the directory. This information is saved after you fill it out and stored to upload for other services when you need them quickly. 

This unique streamlined process saves users valuable time. Organizing all the information in one location allows you to keep track of important services you have updated and ones that need attention in the future. 

Why is this service so important for the cannabis and liquor industry?

Benefits of BCeID for Cannabis and Liquor Industry 

There are several benefits in using the BCeID service to submit applications for the cannabis and liquor industries. 

• It’s convenient only to have to fill out your personal and business information one time—everything auto-fills when you come to subsequent areas you need to fill out. 
• You’re connected directly to the agencies that need the application information.
• If you don’t finish everything at once, you can save it and come back later. 
• It’s easier to keep track of what you’ve filled out and when things need to be reapplied for. The dashboard lets you know when licensing expires. 
• Easy identification makes it unnecessary to show up in person with a copy of your physical ID. 
• There’s no need for appointments to fill out this information in person when you can do it from a central dashboard 

The use of the BCeID could revolutionize the way other countries and regions do business online. An all-inclusive platform like this could benefit nearly every government agency and sector of business. So it’s not surprising to find out that other areas are beginning to implement this same type of technology as we progress further into the future.

Recently, it seems all but impossible to buy a liquor store license in Vancouver, BC. In addition, moratoriums or prohibitions have been placed on nearly every significant type of liquor license in the area. To make these processes more manageable, here are the Top Guidelines When Buying Liquor License.

These restrictions have left prospective business owners trying to serve alcohol with a limited number of options legally.

Currently, the only licenses business owners can apply for are Liquor Primary and UBrew/UVin. Unfortunately, these restrictions limit the potential new business options to bars and nightclubs or homebrew enthusiast stores.

However, careful attention to detail highlights these licenses as options for new establishments.

There are a few expensive loopholes for would-be business owners in the region, and we’ll go into detail about those options. But, first, let’s examine the specific restrictions that have been placed on new retail establishments.

Limited Liquor License Options: Vancouver, BC Prohibitions 

Prohibitions are in place for new LRS (licensee retail stores) until July 1, 2022. So if your goal were to open a private liquor store that sells multiple types of alcohol (wine, spirits, beer, etc.), you’d have to wait until the above date.

However, the following businesses have an indefinite moratorium period, meaning currently, there’s no end in sight for the restrictions.

1. A Wine Store

Independent wine retailers, Vintners Quality Alliance, and tourism wine stores fall under wine stores. The only option available for merchants who want to open a wine store is to transition to an LRS license and wait until July to submit their application.

2. Specialty Wine Stores

Specialty wine stores have extensive wine selections like their regular wine store counterparts. The main difference is that specialty wine stores can also sell ciders, mead, and sake. These specialty wine stores are only located within grocery stores.

An indefinite moratorium exists for this type of license as well. Even in periods without restrictions, the rules placed on potential applicants rule out nearly all would-be merchants.

In addition, the store has to be 10,000 square feet, eliminating almost every type of grocer except big-box retailers.

Alternative Liquor License Options: Vancouver, BC Prohibitions

As we mentioned earlier on the first part of these top guidelines when buying a liquor license, it could be an expensive loophole to the prohibitions set forth by the Canadian government. So technically, these can be considered loopholes, but we’re not sure if we would consider them realistic loopholes.

Dormant SWS licenses are available to retailers through auctions hosted by the BC government. Unfortunately, we’re not entirely clear on what the term dormant license means. Regardless, you would think these auctions offered hope for BC retailers who otherwise had the door shut on their business options.

However, a starting bid of $125,000 hardly constitutes a glimmer of hope. It’s starting to seem like obtaining a liquor license in Vancouver, BC, is more challenging than winning the lottery.

These expensive auctions that give merchants the option to purchase an existing liquor license offer no real hope. Prohibitions are shutting the door even further on potential business owners.

However, this is only a part of the uphill battle retailers have to climb to open a new business and receive their license. So let’s forget about the prohibitions and license auctions for a moment.

When the restrictions for submitting applications were not in place, the process looked like for wannabe merchants to open a new establishment that served alcohol.

1.

First, you would need the approval of your local government even to attempt to navigate this complicated process. Once the government gives you the thumbs-up, you can move on to the following approval process.

2.

The second step is petitioning the neighbours (surrounding businesses and residents) in an approval process that includes more fees. Believe it or not, you have to pay for the privilege to ask your neighbours to accept the idea of your potential business in the area.

3.

Once your neighbours have given you their blessing, you must return to the government for final approval. First, they will review where your last address is for the business. During this step, they can decline your application if the company is too close to social or recreational establishments or too many companies in the area serve alcohol.

It isn’t far-fetched to say that opening a new retail liquor establishment and obtaining your license is an impossible mission. But, unfortunately, the prohibitions make it impossible to run the application process’s gauntlet, and purchasing an existing license is not financially possible for most smaller merchants.

The only plausible option that exists for prospective business owners would be to buy an already established location. Purchasing a business gives you ownership of the traffic that frequents the area.

A license is already attached to that business. At least, choosing this option ensures you have established customers, and your money goes towards ownership and not a government auction.

Were these Top Guidelines When Buying Liquor License helpful? Let us know; we want to help you make your business come true.

Getting your liquor license in BC is a comprehensive process. The licensing process for any liquor establishment requires outlining precise details that describe your intent as a merchant. 

Applicants must choose between an expansive list of different establishment categories and fulfill background check requirements. There is also an approval process that requires permission from the local government and a petition from residents around the intended business location. 

It sounds like a very time-consuming process to obtain a simple license. Without the proper preparation and guidance, it isn’t hard to let the process get away from you and become discouraging. However, with a few simple steps to prepare yourself, the process is easily simplified. 

If you’ve been thinking about obtaining a liquor license, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got tips on the fast way to get your liquor license in BC.

Deciding What Type of License

Before beginning the process, you need to have a clear picture of your business’s details. Deciding what type of license you want is crucial before going further into the process—knowing what license is critical to finding a fast way to get your liquor license in BC. 

• A food-primary license is for restaurants and other businesses that serve food and have alcohol on the menu 
• A liquor-primary license is a license for establishments like bars & nightclubs where an individual does not need to order food to purchase a drink. 
• A manufacturer is any establishment that produces and bottles alcoholic beverages
• An agent license is for a marketing representative who sells alcohol produced outside of BC
• A catering license is for businesses that primarily serve food but without a central location.
  • They are primarily mobile and serve a variety of wine and cocktail drinks
• Businesses that specialize in fans of homebrewing will need a UBrew/UVin license
• Wine store licenses are reserved for establishments that specialize in a massive wine list. These locations will offer wine products exclusively
• Specialty wine locations require a license that allows them to sell wine, sake, mead, and champagne inside of a retail grocery store space

Choosing the type of license you need and becoming familiar with the specified timeframe the license granting takes will prepare you for starting the process.

Have Everything Filled Out for a Fast Way to Get Your Liquor License In BC

This step sounds simple, but having everything organized is easier said than done. The different sets of paperwork combined with the steps involved can quickly become confusing 

Different paperwork is designated for each step, and it takes organization to ensure an efficient process. Of course, you can accomplish this organization on your own, but some services can assist in making the process smoother. 

Templates are available that outline every step of the application process. These templates outline everything in order and organize all the pertinent paperwork required for each step. Obtaining a template through the appropriate source is similar to having a certified assistant available to help keep you organized and on track. 

Prepare Beforehand

Preparing before you get to specific steps can assist in the speed of the application process. For example, one of the steps includes petitioning residents and businesses in the area to allow you to become a merchant. 

In the months leading up to this step, familiarize yourself with the locals close to your desired business location. Inform them you plan on opening a business in the area and fill them in on the specifics. Let them know you’ll be petitioning for their approval on the business, and you’d like their support.

Assure the locals that by supporting you, they’ll receive your support in return. Make your presence known in local businesses in the months before starting the petition. This will show them you’re willing to support the community, and you’ll have a solid base of support when the time arrives to complete this step. 

For a Fast Way to Get Your Liquor License In BC, Consider Buying a Business

There is currently a moratorium on all new liquor license applications. The only exception to this is the liquor-primary license; this means your options are extremely limited. 

You can adjust to these restrictions by purchasing an already existing liquor license. The easiest way to accomplish this is by buying an already established business. This accomplishes several important tasks at once. 

When you purchase an already established business, you have a turn-key operation with a customer base. You’ll also eliminate the waiting process that comes with applying. 

Both of these steps involve a lot of time, and industry time is of the essence in the service. Therefore, if you’ve been considering opening any establishment that requires a liquor license, you should consider obtaining the license by purchasing an existing business. 

The existence of these restrictions makes it nearly impossible to open for business traditionally, and you have to leave your options open. Choosing this route may cost more, but the investment is paid back tenfold. The customer base you receive with an established business and the waiting that is eliminated by obtaining an approved license are both priceless. 

Looking to get a BC Liquor Licence? Schedule a free consultation with us.

Over the course of the last couple of years, quite a few things have changed in the world. Because of the pandemic, fewer people have been going out to bars and coffee shops than before, although it’s slowly starting to revert. The beverage industry, and cannabis industry, have changed to meet the needs of today’s consumers. Let’s look at some of the top trends for both alcohol and cannabis in the coming year.

2022 Alcohol Trends

What can you expect to see in the world of alcohol in the coming year? There are some continuing trends, as well as some things you might not expect.

More Online Alcohol Sales

One of the biggest changes that have occurred, and that is likely here to stay, is the use of ecommerce for alcohol sales. Even though it was possible to buy alcohol online before the pandemic, it truly became popular during the height of COVID-19 because people were sheltering at home. They found that they could order alcohol online and they did… in droves. Even though more people are going out to bars and restaurants again, the trend of ordering alcohol online and having it delivered will likely stay.

Continuing Popularity of Whiskey

Whiskey has been popular for quite a while, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. People are not only drinking more whiskey, but they are trying out new brands and styles, learning about the way whiskey is made, how it’s stored, and more. The love and appreciation of whiskey are now similar to what wine lovers experience.

Many distilleries are popping up, and they often provide limited releases and special releases, which consumers love. They enjoy trying out new options and debating on their merits and flaws. It’s becoming a lifestyle, and you can be sure that the popularity will continue for years to come.

Celebrity Alcohol Brands Will Continue

Celebrities have been endorsing products since the beginning. Sometimes, they endorse or even own brands, including alcohol brands. Some of the popular names involved in the alcohol industry include Ryan Reynolds, Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey, Brad Paisley, Bruno Mars, and Snoop Dogg to name just a few. You can expect to see even more of these celebrity-owned and endorsed brands in the future because they tend to do well.

More Trendy Beverages for 2022

You should also see a rise in the number of premium canned cocktails being made available by spirit distillers, along with more hard seltzers. Additionally, more and more people are becoming interested in hard coffee and hard kombucha. Interestingly, there is even rising popularity for low and no alcohol beverages for people who like to go out and be social, but who do not want to drink much.

Boxed wine, which used to have a bad reputation, is becoming popular because it tends to be a more sustainable choice. Sustainability is highly important for many consumers today. It also tends to be affordable, which is always a nice bonus.

2022 Cannabis Trends

What’s happening in the world of cannabis? With legalization in more states, as well as Canada, you can expect to see more cannabis products being released. From vape pens to edibles and everything in between, the world is becoming more accustomed to cannabis.

Drinkable Cannabis Products on the Rise

One of the other big trends that we’re likely to see going forward will be cannabis you can drink. The stigma of cannabis is starting to fade, and more and more people are using it for a host of purposes—pleasure, help sleeping, anxiety, etc. However, not everyone wants to smoke or use edibles.

Therefore, many of the most prominent companies in the beverage and cannabis industry are making cannabis-infused drinks. This gives people another avenue of consumption. Drinking a beverage is something they are already familiar with, so they don’t need to know how to use a bong, roll a joint, etc.

The drinks go to work faster than edibles, which can often take an hour or more for someone to feel the effects. They are more discreet than smoking or vaping, as well. It’s expected that this will be one of the more popular 2022 cannabis trends.