Liquor and Cannabis Licences

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) oversees liquor and non-medical cannabis regulations. These are the rules and laws that govern B.C.’s private retail sale of liquor and non-medical cannabis.

The LCRB requires local government support prior to issuing new or amending existing liquor or cannabis licences.
City of Duncan, Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Policy

Non-Medical Cannabis retail sales in Duncan

Licence applications for the retail sale of non-medical cannabis are submitted to the Province through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). As part of their licence process, the Province sends a referral to the City of Duncan.

Where a referral is received from the Province, staff advise that it is currently not permitted under the City’s Zoning Bylaw. The City will, on a case by case basis, consider issuing temporary use permits authorizing the retail sale of Cannabis Products.

After receiving a temporary use permit application, public consultation would begin and owners and occupiers within a 180 metre radius would be notified of the application. The application would also be referred to the applicable School District, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, and the community association. Applicants are expected to discuss their application with the community association and hold at least one information meeting. A report to Council including recommendations would be prepared for consideration by Council. The report would address each of the guidelines contained in the Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Policy. A copy of the report and Council resolution would then be forwarded to the Province. If Council resolves to support the application, the final decision rests with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

If the current zoning does not permit the use the applicant would then have the option of applying for Rezoning or a Temporary Use Permit.

Please note that a City of Duncan Business Licence and Sign Permit for any Business Signs will be required.

Under the current pilot project, the City has issued two TUPs for 521 Canada Avenue and 130 Trans-Canada Highway

Liquor Licences in Duncan

Liquor licence applications are submitted to the Province through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).

The BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch process requires that a local government or their delegate, must include comments on a new or amendment application that include:

The impact on the community if the application is approved;
The impact of noise on the community in the immediate vicinity of the establishment;
Whether the amendment may result in the establishment being operated in a manner that is contrary to its primary purpose;
The location of the establishment; and
The person capacity and hours of liquor service of the establishment.

When an application is received, staff review the application to determine if the use is permitted through zoning. If the use is permitted by zoning, staff would process the application based on the City Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Policy. For an application for a new or amended liquor licence, a notice is required requires to community associations, schools, businesses, and social facilities within a 90 m radius of the subject property. A report to Council including recommendations would be prepared for consideration by Council. The report would address each of the guidelines contained in the policy. A copy of the report and Council resolution would then be forwarded to the Province. If Council resolves to support the application, the final decision rests with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

Please note that a City of Duncan Business Licence and Sign Permit for any Business Signs will be required.

Special Event Permit

If you are hosting a special event (e.g., wedding, sports tournament, dinner and dance, or other type of one-time event) and want to serve beer, wine or spirits, you need a Special Event Permit.

Liquor Sales at Duncan Farmers’ Market

In 2014, City Council authorized the Duncan Farmers’ Market to host licensed manufacturers (winery, brewery, or distillery) with an on-site store endorsement to sell their packaged liquor (for off-site consumption) at the Duncan Farmers’ Market.

Information for selling at the Duncan Farmers’ Market can be found on their website: www.duncanfarmersmarket.ca.

Liquor Sales at Farmers’ Market Policy

For more information on the City’s Liquor Licensing policies, please contact the Planning Department at 250-746-6126.

Associated Cannabis Licence Links:

Associated Liquor Licence Links

Last updated on: Jan 24th, 2023

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