Read This Before You Buy a BC Retail Liquor License or Cannabis License in 2026
May 25, 2026
Summer Compliance Refresher Training a Must for Retail Cannabis Licensees in BC
June 16, 2026
The BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch recently announced in Bulletin 26-03, a three-year trial allowing eligible liquor retailers to sell directly to authorized BC liquor licensees.
According to LCRB, the trial is intended to provide bars and restaurants with more flexibility in sourcing specialty products and to provide high-quality hospitality services during major events, such as FIFA World Cup 2026™.
This pilot represents a significant and positive shift in B.C.’s liquor distribution framework by expanding direct sales and purchase opportunities.
The trial period starts May 29, 2026 and ends June 1, 2029. An application is not required.
Authorized sellers include:
- Licensee Retail Stores
- Wine Stores
- Special Wine Stores
- Rural Licensee Retail Stores
Authorized purchasers include:
- Liquor Primary Licensees
- Liquor Primary Club Licensees
- Food Primary Licensees
- Catering Licensees
- Manufacturer Licensees with a Lounge Endorsement
Key Requirements and Rules
- Authorized sellers may deliver orders directly to authorized purchasers
- Liquor cannot be sold below the price the seller paid LDB for the product
- Purchasers or their employees must buy directly from authorized sellers. Purchases cannot be made through third-party delivery services
- Purchasers cannot buy liquor from retailers located outside B.C.
- Loyalty, incentive, and reward programs are prohibited
- Licensees must verify participating liquor licences are valid
Please refer to Bulletin 26-03 for more details.
Need Clarity? Chat with a Liquor License Consultant
Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors provides clarity, guidance and support to BC liquor licensees. If you have questions about this bulletin, BC liquor license applications or retail liquor operations, chat with an experienced liquor license consultant.
