The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is seeking feedback on temporary relocations for liquor retailers in BC, including Licensee Retail Stores (LRS), Wine Stores, and government liquor stores.
As part of the feedback process, ABLE BC is hosting a Q&A webinar next week with LCRB officials. Join us on Thursday, October 5th at 11:00 am to ask your questions and provide your feedback on this topic.
Q&A Webinar Details:
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: zoom
A liquor retailer cannot relocate permanently within a 1 km radius of another retailer, except in limited circumstances. The 1 km rule is a cornerstone policy priority for ABLE BC that we will fight to maintain in perpetuity. Since introduced, it has provided vital market stability and prevented densification. Many current Licensee Retail Store (LRS) and BC Liquor Store (BCL) locations were approved before this rule came into effect.
Under current rules, if an LRS or BCL is unable to operate at their licensed location due to significant renovations or redevelopment, the licensee can choose to:
Temporarily close the location until the location can resume operation (i.e., place the licence into “dormancy”); or,
Permanently relocate to an eligible new location.
There is currently no provision that allows a liquor retailer to temporarilyrelocate or that allows a licence to relate to more than one establishment.
While a policy allowing temporary relocation to accommodate renovations or renovictions has merit, it raises important considerations of eligibility, location requirements, and time limit.
Click here for more information.
Q&A Webinar Details:
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: zoom
LCRB Officials:
Sarah Gosman, Director, Policy and Legislation
Jessica Sharpe, Senior Manager, Liquor Policy
Moderator:
Jeff Guignard, ABLE BC Executive Director
If you have questions or trouble registering, please contact ann@ablebc.ca.
If you are unable to attend this Q&A, you can submit your feedback in one of two ways.
Fill out ABLE BC's liquor store temporary relocation engagement survey:
Send your comments directly to the LCRB:
Email LCRB.Outreach@gov.bc.ca with the subject “ temporary relocation consultation” by October 5, 2023. We would appreciate you copying jeff@ablebc.ca on your response.
Your submission should include:
Full name of person submitting
Name of the business/organization and license number, if applicable
Municipality or regional district in which your store is located
Phone number, including area code, and reply email address