Lease & Zoning Policy Changes for LRSs in BC

In 2015, the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation was amended to allow LRSs to relocate anywhere in BC. Following this amendment the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) became concerned that the low commitment required to be granted Approval in Principle (AIP) could potentially be used by an LRS relocation applicant to protect their interest in an area by restricting other relocation applicants from moving into the 1 km radius of the proposed LRS location and their current location. To limit any potential conflict among licensees and increase fairness, the Branch has reviewed and made amendments to the LRS relocation process.

Effective September 8, 2016, a new policy will come into effect that will amend the timing of existing requirements in order to increase confidence in the application process and to reduce the number of delays throughout the process.

New Policy

Applicants are now required to provide valid interest in the form of a certificate of title or a fully executed lease as well as evidence that rezoning is underway (or already in place) in their proposed location before Approval in Principle is granted.

Details on the policy can be seen at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/docs-forms/policy-directive-2016-12.pdf.