A Food Primary licence allows eligible restaurants, cafés, bistros, and similar food-focused establishments in British Columbia to serve liquor as part of their primary food service business. Before applying, businesses must meet the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) eligibility requirements and complete several municipal and provincial approval steps.
This guide summarizes the typical Food Primary licence application process, from securing a location through obtaining local government approvals, submitting your LCRB application, and applying for additional endorsements or licence amendments where required.
Food Primary license decision flowchart
Step 1: Have you secured a lease or land title?
Yes
- You have legal control of the premises and can begin preparing your Food Primary licence application.
Proceed to Step 2.
No
- Secure a lease or obtain land title before preparing floor plans or applying for a Food Primary licence.
Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Prepare floor plans & obtain local government approval
- Prepare detailed floor plans showing the proposed licensed areas.
- Submit the plans to your local government for review.
- Obtain occupancy-approved plans with occupant load capacities assigned to each proposed licensed room.
Proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Are additional municipal approvals required?
Depending on your municipality, additional approvals may be required before approved plans can be released.
These may include:
- Development Permit
- Change of Use
- Rezoning
- Building Permit
Once all required municipal approvals have been completed and approved plans have been issued, proceed with your Food Primary licence application.
Proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Prepare your Food Primary license application
- Create a Business BCeID.
- Gather the required application information and supporting documentation.
- Submit your Food Primary licence application only after receiving your approved municipal plans.
Working with an experienced liquor licence consultant, such as Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors, can help ensure your application is complete and accurate. A properly prepared application can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
Proceed to Step 5.
Step 5: Submit your Food Primary licence application
- Submit an application for a Food Primary licence, which includes standard liquor service hours.
- If you require Extended Hours or additional endorsements, these can generally be submitted as separate applications immediately after your Food Primary licence application has been submitted. These applications are processed separately and may require additional local government consultation.
Proceed to Step 6 (if you require endorsements or amendments)
Step 6: Are additional endorsements or amendments required?
Depending on how you plan to operate your business, you may wish to apply for additional endorsements or licence amendments.
Common endorsements and amendments include:
- Extended Hours
- Patron Participation Entertainment (PPE) Endorsement
- Patio Endorsement
- Catering Endorsement
- Structural Changes
- Change of Licence Conditions
Additional endorsements and amendments may require separate applications, supporting documentation, local government consultation, or LCRB approval.
Resources
Let Thrive help with Food Primary licensing
Applying for a Food Primary licence often involves coordinating municipal approvals, occupancy requirements, LCRB documentation, and, where applicable, additional endorsements or licence amendments.
Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors assists restaurants, cafés, breweries, and hospitality businesses throughout British Columbia with Food Primary licence applications, licence amendments, endorsements, and regulatory compliance.
If you’re looking for trusted advisors who work in partnership with you to ensure the success of your business, let’s talk.
Sign up for a 30-min complimentary discovery session.
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