Apply for or make permanent changes to an existing liquor primary licence

Meet with a licence coordinator to discuss your application before you submit your application.

Application requirements

Fees

The application processing fee range:

Application process

Information icon Application fees can be found in Schedule B of the License By-law 4450.

Step 1: Application review and report preparation

Step 2: Neighbourhood flyer notification

Note All applications, except those noted in Step 1, will require neighbourhood notification.

Step 3: Public meeting

A public meeting will normally be recommended for all new Liquor Primary liquor licence applications or major amendments to existing liquor licences in close proximity to residential uses and/or which may have a negative impact on adjacent businesses. New Restaurant Class-2 businesses in close proximity to residential uses may also require a public meeting. Applications for establishments in designated entertainment areas, industrial areas, the core area of the Central Business District (CBD), areas with little adjacent residential development, or for a conversion of an existing liquor licence to a licence that will have a lesser impact (for example reduced hours, elimination of outdoor seating, etc.) would not normally be subject to the telephone survey requirement.

Step 4: Telephone survey

We expect that most applications required to conduct a telephone survey will be as a result of a Council decision. We will revise the report to Council to incorporate findings of the telephone survey. Note All application processing for liquor licence categories not specifically noted here would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Typical processing time for most applications is approximately 4 to 6 months, but may vary depending upon the nature of the application. Applications not complying with Council policy or LCRB policy will delay processing and may not be brought to Council until the policy issues have been resolved.

Public consultation

We encourage you to liaise with area residents and business operators before submitting your formal application to let them know of a possible application to eliminate the public's surprise once we conduct the official neighbourhood public consultation.

The Chief Licence Inspector determines the level of public consultation. Processing fees are based on the degree of public consultation required for each application.

Stage 1: Site sign

The site sign must conform to size, shape, and lettering requirements. Specific wording and content for the sign is provided by the Licence Coordinator. All applications require a site sign unless indicated otherwise by the Licence Coordinator.

Size

Standard size is 4' × 8'. All variations must be approved by the License Coordinator.

Lettering

Lettering is to be black Arial on a white background.

Installation

Location

Notification of installation

You or your agent must advise the Chief License Inspector or License Coordinator when the sign has been installed on the site.

The City's notification letter to surrounding residents and businesses (when required), advising them of your application will not be sent until written confirmation and a photograph of the sign on the site after installation has been received.

Removal of signs

Signs must remain in place until Council has given a decision on the application, and must be removed no later than 7 days after the decision.

Stage 2: Neighbourhood notification

The City will prepare and circulate a notification flyer to surrounding residents and businesses located within a minimum radius 2 blocks (or approximately 230 metres), of the existing or proposed establishment. The Notice of Application encourages all recipients to provide comments within three weeks from the date of the notice. Notices are circulated only after the Licence Coordinator has received confirmation that the site sign is installed.

Stage 3: Public meeting

We will normally schedule the public meeting in the last week of the neighbourhood flyer notification period or shortly after. Attendance at the meeting will be recorded and each attendee will be asked to indicate their support or opposition to the proposal. Verbatim minutes of the meeting are not recorded.

Stage 4: Telephone survey

Approving applications

All respondents providing their full name and address as part of the public consultation will be notified of the Chief Licence Inspector’s decision.

The Chief Licence Inspector’s decision is forwarded to the LCRB.

Contact us

Liquor Licence Coordinator

Phone: 604-871-6988

Liquor Licence Group

Phone: 604-871-6461 or 604-873-7954