Every business that sells liquor has unique operational needs, which is why BC and other provinces offer several types of liquor license add-ons, called endorsements or authorizations. Understanding these license add-ons when submitting or updating your BC liquor license application can ensure that your licensing structure supports your needs, now and as your operation changes.
What are liquor license endorsements?
A liquor license endorsement is an additional authorization that expands what a licensed business can do under an existing BC liquor license. Depending on the endorsement, it may allow activities such as off-premises sales, catering, operating a lounge or serving liquor in a temporary use area.
BC liquor license endorsements & add-ons
Eligibility for the following license add-ons depends on the type of liquor licence you hold. While many are specifically called endorsements, the LCRB also uses terms such as authorizations, approvals, and terms and conditions for additional licensing permissions.
Catering endorsement
Available to Food Primary and Liquor Primary licensees, this endorsement allows eligible businesses to provide food and beverage service at catered events. A Catering Authorization is required for each event where liquor purchased under the licence will be sold and served. (Food Primary Handbook, p. 37; Liquor Primary Handbook, p. 45)
Temporary user area endorsement
Available to eligible Food Primary and Liquor Primary establishments at golf courses and ski hills. Licensees can hold up to 26 events per year at outdoor areas on the property. (Food Primary Handbook, p. 41; Liquor Primary Handbook, p. 41)
Patron participation entertainment endorsement
Allows Food Primary establishments to offer entertainment involving active patron participation, such as dancing or karaoke. Approval is required before offering patron participation entertainment. (Food Primary Handbook, p. 12)
Family foodservice term and condition
Allows eligible Liquor Primary establishments to permit accompanied minors until 10 p.m. A selection of appetizers and main courses must be available, and signage and prior LCRB approval are required. (Liquor Primary Handbook, p. 13)
Off-premise sales endorsement
Permits eligible Liquor Primary establishments to sell packaged liquor for off-site consumption. Special eligibility requirements apply. (Liquor Primary Handbook, p. 42)
Mobile liquor vendor (hawker) approval
Allows stadium Liquor Primary licensees to use mobile liquor vendors (hawkers) to sell liquor in the stands with prior approval from the LCRB general manager. (Liquor Primary Handbook, p. 29)
On-site store endorsement
Allows manufacturers to sell packaged liquor from an on-site store. (Manufacturer Handbook, p. 20)
Lounge endorsement
Allows manufacturers to operate a licensed lounge where liquor can be sold for on-site consumption. (Manufacturer Handbook, p. 24)
Picnic area endorsement
With the picnic area endorsement, liquor manufacturers can create a designated picnic area with areas for liquor sales and/or consumption. A picnic area can be one or multiple designated areas. (Manufacturer Handbook, p. 23)
Special event area endorsement
Allows manufacturers to use an approved Special Event Area for events such as weddings, concerts and private parties. (Manufacturer Handbook, p. 24)
Temporary offsite sale endorsement
Allows eligible liquor and wine stores to operate a temporary store at qualifying tasting-focused food and beverage festivals. Licensees apply for the endorsement by logging into the liquor and cannabis licensing portal. (Licensee Retail Store Handbook, p. 23)
LCRB handbooks
Licensee Retail Store Handbook
Liquor Primary Handbook
Manufacturer Handbook
Food Primary Handbook
Endorsements in other provinces
Other provinces may use different terminology for similar license add-ons: e.g. endorsements, authorizations, approvals, licence conditions or amendments. Our Liquor & Cannabis Regulators resource can help you find the appropriate regulator across Canada, as well as in Washington and Oregon, the two U.S. states where Thrive also provides services.
Expert liquor licensing guidance from Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors
Thrive liquor license consultants can help you determine which additional endorsements or authorizations are suitable for your operation and then help you navigate the licensing process. We provide liquor license application support and retail liquor strategy consulting in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, as well as select U.S. states.
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