Update: Structural Change Application Requirements

Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,  

We are pleased to share more good news today! In response to advocacy from ABLE BC and our industry partners, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has updated the structural change application requirements for Liquor Primary, Liquor Primary Club, and Food Primary businesses.  

Earlier today the LCRB released Bulletin 23-03: Structural change application requirements, updating which changes require an application for approval. This change eases red-tape and shortens wait times for hospitality businesses. 

A licensee must apply for approval from the LCRB if they are planning a structural change that impacts the:

  • Capacity

  • Occupancy load

  • Size of the liquor service area

If you are planning to make your Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA)permanent, you must apply for a structural change. While the TESA authorization has been extended to December 31, 2024, we urge you to make your structural change application now as these can take up to 10 months to process. 

A licensee no longer needs an application for approval for these changes:

  • Adding or changing the position or height of a wall, partial height divider (pony wall) or fixed planters that does not change the size or location of a service area

  • Changes to the position of interior access/exit points leading to or from a licensed service area (changes to exterior access/exits points still require application for approval)

  • Adding or removing permanent display cabinets, booth seating, stages, or dance floors

  • Any other construction or changes where the only impact to liquor service is on patron routing or line of sight between a staff control point and the service area of the establishment, if they do not impact the ability to maintain control of the establishment

The updates will be published in the Liquor Policy Manual and the Liquor Primary and Food Primary terms and conditions handbooks. 

Licensing staff will review structural change applications according to the new criteria and will contact licensees who have applied for a structural change that no longer needs approval.

Please reach out to LCRBLiquorPolicy@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions. 

Ann Brydle