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.