16 Jul
After many months of advocating on behalf of our valued clients, we are very pleased to announce that beginning August 20, 2024, an LRS licensee may apply to temporarily relocated their license if they meet the following criteria.
- Repairs are necessary because the store was substantially damaged by fire, flood, or other event beyond the licensee’s control; or
- Significant alterations to or renovations of the store are to be carried out by a person other than the licensee; or
- The licensee intends to carry out significant alterations to the store and has reasonable grounds to believe that it would be impractical to continue to operate while alterations or renovations are made.
The store may move within 250 meters of their current location, or outside of that area, the store must be 1KM distance from another LRS license. The change will allow LRS licensees to apply to temporarily relocate their store for five years. A one-time request may be made to extend operations at the temporary location for no more than two years.
For more information on how this can impact your business, contact us!
Good News For The City Of Burnaby
The City of Burnaby has recently been reviewing their Liquor and Cannabis policy framework to better streamline their approach to reviewing applications and aligning themselves more with the provincial regulations to reduce the workload upon their staff.
The Staff’s proposed policy update was approved during a Planning & Development Committee meeting on July 10th and is scheduled to be adopted July 23rd.
Staff are recommending policy positions, which reflect an approach in line with the following goals and objectives:
- to update the City’s guidelines and processes to better align with current LCRB policies;
- to create a clear and concise policy document, providing transparency and direction for the benefit of both applicants and City staff;
- to reduce Liquor and Cannabis application processing timelines and costs for applicants, creating a more favourable business environment for both small and large operators;
- to reduce Council time spent reviewing applications, which are deemed to be relatively innocuous from a public safety standpoint and elicit significant concerns from the public; and,
- to support Burnaby’s sustainability and complete community goals, by helping to provide a wide range of services and amenities throughout Burnaby.
The notable updates include:
- adding a maximum number of new public and Private Liquor or Cannabis store licences over a specific span of years
- allowing both Liquor stores and Cannabis stores to be located at least 1KM from another store of the same type, which is inline with the provincial moratorium
- updating zones C1, C2 and C3 to allow liquor or cannabis retail stores as an outright permitted use.
Unlike most other municipal distancing criteria, there was no mention in the updated policy framework that new cannabis retail stores will need to be any specific distance from sensitive use areas, such as schools, parks or community centres, which is surprisingly good news for operators.
Staff at the city have advised Rising Tide Consultants that they could start accepting applications immediately after adoption of the policy on July 23, however, applications would not be able to proceed to Council until the required bylaw amendments were in place, and noting the City will only accept an application for a retail cannabis store after the application is referred to the City from the Province.
For more information on this policy update, get in touch with us. We are here to help!
Client Spotlight
MacKenzie, BC is about to have it’s first Brewery! Rising Tide is proud to announce the approval for Mackchu Brewing’s new brewery license with tasting lounge. They will be open 9AM to 11PM daily so be sure to stop by for a refreshing, delicious brew once they are open. Coming Soon!
We are pleased to have worked with Vancouver’s Burrard Queen to obtain their Liquor Primary
license. This luxury charter yacht experience offers two spacious levels for up to 225 people
and can include lavish buffets or formal sit-down meals, live shows & music or even your own
theme party. Contact them today for your next special event!
New Restrictions On Plastic Containers Significantly Impact Stadiums In BC
As of July 15, 2024, there will be restrictions on certain plastics through B.C.’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation.
The current Liquor Primary Licence Terms and Conditions and Liquor Policy Manual require stadiums to serve liquor in disposable containers (e.g., plastic or paper) to ensure the safety of spectators.This change will require stadiums to comply with B.C.’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation when using plastic containers for serving liquor in stadiums.
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Food Service Ware Factsheet
Use of Plastic Containers in Stadiums
We Are Here To Help
If you need advice or guidance with your licensing challenges or business operations, get in
touch with us.
