Liquor Licenses
In British Columbia new liquor licenses and amendments to existing licenses are issued by the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB). Establishments in BC operate with one of two basic license types: food-primary or liquor-primary:
- Food-Primary Licenses - for selling liquor by the glass at businesses (restaurants) where the primary purpose is the service of food.
- Liquor-Primary Licenses - for selling liquor by the glass at businesses (pubs, bars, lounges or nightclubs) where the primary purpose is beverage service, entertainment or hospitality.
Although the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) does not issue liquor licenses, the LCLB must request comment from local government on licensing decisions that may have an impact on the community. The requirements for local government comments will vary depending on the type of license or license amendment. In some cases the views of residents must be gathered and a formal resolution from Council must be obtained. The Municipal Liquor Licensing Policy, Council Policy G-17 describes the RMOW process and fees for the various application types.
All applications for a new liquor license or a physical change to an existing licensed establishment must have floor plan drawings stamped for occupant load. The RMOW liquor license application process includes a floor plan review and occupant load determination.
Application for new Liquor License
- Municipal application for a new liquor primary license
- Municipal application for a new food primary liquor requiring Council approval (hours past midnight, restaurant lounge or patron participation entertainment) *Note that the RMOW requires Council approval for any new or enlarged restaurant lounge.
- Municipal application for a new basic food primary license where a resolution from Council is not required (hours up to midnight, no restaurant lounge, no patron participation entertainment)
Application for permenent change to liquor license
- Municipal application for a permanent change to a liquor primary license
- Municipal application for a permanent change to a food primary liquor requiring Council approval (hours past midnight, restaurant lounge or patron participation entertainment) *Note that the RMOW requires Council approval for any new or enlarged restaurant lounge.
- Municipal application for a permanent change to a food primary license where a resolution from Council is not required (hours up to midnight, no restaurant lounge, no patron participation entertainment)
Application for temporary change to liquor license
Special Occasion License
- Special Occasion Licenses are issued by the provincial Liquor Distribution Branch and require approval by the Whistler Detachment of the RCMP.
Liquor License Advisory Committee
The Municipal Liquor License Advisory Committee (LLAC) provides input and recommendations on all license applications brought before Council for consideration. The structure and appointments to the LLAC have been established by Council to provide representation from key community stakeholders and municipal staff (see Municipal Liquor Licensing Policy) (Council Policy G-17).
References
- Municipal Liquor Licensing Policy, Council Policy G-17
- Liquor Licensing Application Processing Fee Bylaw No. 1915, 2009
Contact
For information on RMOW liquor licensing requirements contact: (604) 935-8165 or (604) 935-8182.
The provincial liquor inspector can be reached at: Holly Glenn, BC Liquor Licensing Inspector via email or telephone at (604) 894-5623.
