Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,
We are pleased to bring you long-overdue good news for Licensee Retail Store (LRS) licensees who may need to temporarily relocate their store during significant renovations.
ABLE BC has worked on this issue for several years. We engaged in lengthy and in-depth consultations with members, industry stakeholders, our Board of Directors and LRS Policy Committee, senior officials at the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), the Honourable Mike Farnworth (Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General), and Premier David Eby.
Member consultations included discussions at liquor industry meetings across BC, an industry survey, dozens of in-person interviews, and a Q&A webinar. After discussing with approximately 15% of BC's LRS owners and operators, we submitted feedback to the LCRB that we feel represents a balanced perspective.
This submission supported both the ability of an LRS to move temporarily (i.e. during renovations) and return to their existing location, and requiring temporary locations to comply with the 1 km distance rule.
While industry did not have one clear perspective on this issue, we are confident that a reasonable, sensible solution has been reached.
In direct response to ABLE BC's advocacy, the LCRB has announced that beginning August 20, 2024, LRS licensees can apply for a temporary relocation for up to five years while significant alterations (renovation, reconstruction) are made to their original location. A one-time request can be made to extend operations at the temporary location for another two years, if the significant alterations are not completed in five years.
According to LCRB Bulletin 24-08: Temporary Relocation for LRS Licences:
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:
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- 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.
- 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 1km by road, from any other LRS location (permanent or hold location) or a BC liquor store or proposed location of a store.
The original location being renovated will not be subject to distance requirements.
We are grateful to the LCRB for understanding industry concerns and working with us to make a decision that benefits BC's LRS industry.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Guignard, Executive Director, at jeff@ablebc.ca or LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca.
