Transfer a Cannabis Retail Store licence

Cannabis Retail Store (CRS) licences can be transferred to a new licensee if the transfer does not result in the licensee holding or having interest in more than 8 CRS licences. 

The current licensee must initiate the licence transfer in the liquor and cannabis licensing portal by submitting the proposed licensee's:

• Business name
• Email address

The proposed licensee will be notified to proceed with the licence transfer application.

The proposed licensee: 

• Must be at least 19 years old
• Must be a standalone business, such as
  • Private corporation
  • Public corporation
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Society or non-profit corporation
  • Indigenous Nation
  • Extra-provincial company that is registered in B.C.
  • Learn more about starting a business in B.C.
• Must not be a federally licensed producer of cannabis
• Does not have to be a citizen or resident of B.C. or Canada

This application requires the following from the proposed licensee:

• Your business number (9-digit number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency)
• BCeID log-in information
• Information about the applicant and associates including, but not limited to:
  • Directors,
  • Shareholders (direct and indirect)
  • Partners
• Information about other licences you have or are applying for
• Information about other licences your associates have or are applying for
• Consent for security screening and financial integrity checks
• A declaration of financial, business or family connections to any federally licensed cannabis producers and retail licence holders or applicants for retail licences

Security screening

Before transferring a CRS licence, the LCRB must determine that the proposed licensee is fit and proper to hold a CRS licence. The fit and proper assessment includes security screenings and financial integrity checks. Approval may be accelerated if the proposed licensee already holds a CRS licence.

Learn more about security screenings and financial integrity checks.

Fee

• Transfer application fee (includes security screening and financial integrity checks): $500. 

The LCRB starts processing the transfer application after the proposed licensee confirms their information and pays the licence transfer fee.

Terms and conditions

Cannabis retail licensees must abide by the terms and conditions of their licence. For more information, read the Cannabis Retail Store Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 319KB).

Cannabis retail stores can stay open through the transfer application process. The current licensee must maintain their licence requirements and valid interest until the transfer is complete. 

The proposed licensee cannot operate the licence until the transfer is complete. The proposed licensee may start working in a store before the transfer is complete if they are Selling It Right certified. 

Other licence changes, such as structural changes or relocations, must be requested after the licence transfer is complete. See the Making Changes to the Licence section of the Cannabis Retail Store Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 319KB).

Selling It Right

Cannabis retail store licensees need to upload their Selling It Right certificate information. Read more about Selling It Right.