Summer Compliance Refresher Training for BC Liquor Licensees

For BC liquor licensees, summer is a busy time of year, second only to the Christmas season. More sunshine and longer days, people on vacation, and increased tourism and events mean increased customer traffic for liquor stores, restaurants, bars and lounges. As business activity increases, so should regulatory compliance diligence.

Liquor license enforcement activities, including inspections and the Minors as Agents Program, often ramp up during busy times. Where compliance is concerned, licensees should get back to basics, ensuring that staff follow procedures that keep your business in compliance with your liquor license terms and conditions and the law.

Summer Compliance Fundamentals for All Licensees

During busy seasons, focus on the fundamentals of BC liquor licensing compliance, including:

• Age verification procedures
• Procedures for refusing service to minors
• Responsible beverage service practices
• Understanding licence terms and conditions
• Inspection preparedness and record keeping

If you need help with compliance training, the liquor license consultants at Thrive can help.

Considerations for Licensee Retail Stores

For private liquor stores, as customer traffic picks up, review procedures for handling attempted purchases by minors, reviewing incident documentation procedures. Reinforcing compliance expectations with seasonal staff can also help support day-to-day operations.

Considerations for Food Primary Licensees

Food Primary establishments may benefit from reviewing liquor service procedures with managers and serving staff, particularly when less experienced seasonal employees are on shift. Remember to include patio service compliance in any refresher training.

Considerations for Liquor Primary Licensees

Bars, pubs and nightclubs often experience a huge increase in activity during summer evenings, entertainment events, and peak tourism periods. Licensees should ensure occupancy limits are not exceeded during busy periods and special events. Staff should review responsible beverage service practices and incident-handling and documentation procedures.

Considerations for Manufacturers with Lounges

Manufacturers operating lounges should ensure staff understand the requirements associated with their licence and lounge endorsement. Reviewing service area requirements, operational procedures, and licence terms can help ensure compliance remains a priority during busy periods.

Compliance Tools and Refresher Training

Helpful compliance tools and refresher training for liquor licensees may include:

• Refresher training for managers and staff
• Daily compliance checklists
• Store policy and procedure manuals
• Inspection preparedness reviews
• Internal compliance audits
• Record keeping and documentation systems

At Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors, we provide practical compliance support for BC liquor licensees, including compliance training, operational checklists, and in-person compliance audits. Our goal is to help licensees identify potential concerns and strengthen compliance practices before issues are identified during an inspection.

Compliance Resources

LCRB provides several resources to help liquor licensees understand compliance expectations and prevent contraventions:

• Enforcement Action
• Preventing Contraventions
• Minors as Agents Program
• Food Primary Handbook
• Liquor Primary Handbook
• Manufacturer Handbook

Thrive Makes BC Liquor Licensing Easier Than You Think!

BC liquor licensing can be complicated and time consuming. Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors simplifies licensing and saves you time, so you can do what you do best – run your business! We provide liquor license application support, liquor business operational strategy and compliance-preparedness services for start-ups and existing businesses.