Bulletin 24-08: Temporary relocation for Licensee Retail Store (LRS) licences

Publication date: July 16, 2024

Issue date: July 16, 2024

Who's impacted

These changes apply to the following licence: 

  • Licensee Retail Store (LRS)

What's changing

LRS licensees will be able to apply for a temporary relocation of their store for up to five years while significant alterations (e.g., renovation, reconstruction) are made to their original location. If significant alterations are not completed within five years, licensees can submit a one-time request to extend operations at the temporary location for another two years.

Beginning August 20, 2024, an LRS licensee may apply to relocate their LRS temporarily if:

  • Repairs are necessary because the store was substantially damaged by fire, flood, or other event beyond the licensee’s control; or
  • Significant alterations or renovations of the store will be made by a person other than the licensee; or
  • The licensee intends to make significant alterations to the store and believes that keeping the store open during renovations is not feasible.

Like permanent LRS locations, the temporary LRS location must be a minimum of 1 km from a permanent LRS, an LRS hold location (i.e., the original site of the store that the LRS licensee will return to), or a BC Liquor Store.

The general manager may approve an exception to the 1 km requirement for a temporary relocation in the following circumstances:

  • If the distance between the hold location and the proposed temporary LRS location is 250 metres or less; or
  • If the proposed temporary LRS location is not closer to any other store (permanent or hold location, a BC liquor store or proposed location) than your LRS hold location; or
  • If a body of water results in the distance between the temporary LRS location being less than 1 km 'as the crow flies' but more than 1 km by road from any other store (permanent or hold location, a BC liquor store or proposed location).

The original location being renovated will not be subject to distance requirements.

Helpful information

To read all the rules about these changes, please see the:

What does the licensee need to do?

Licensees do not need to take immediate action.

The LCRB will start accepting applications for temporary LRS relocations on August 20, 2024 through the liquor and cannabis licensing portal.

Licensees applying for a temporary LRS relocation must be aware that both the move to a temporary location and return to their hold location are subject to all local bylaws and cannot be guaranteed by the LCRB if local bylaws prevent it.

The initial application fee is $330.

An additional permanent relocation application ($330) will be required to return to the licensee’s original location.

Learn more about the application process.

Disclaimer

Bulletins are for general information and may not apply to all situations. Bulletins do not constitute legal advice nor are they a comprehensive statement of the legal obligations that arise under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, regulations, or any other applicable laws.

When interpreting and applying the information contained in the Bulletins, you are encouraged to seek advice from your professional advisors as appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Questions

If you have questions about this policy change, email  LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca