As a Liquor Primary licensee, you can apply:

• To make an indoor structural change
• For a new outdoor patio

You must have a Business BCeID to apply online in the liquor and cannabis licensing portal. Review and confirm your account information on the Account Profile page.

Patio and structural change applications can take up to 10 months to get approved. Processing times are approximate and may vary.

Structural change or patio application fee: $440

The following structural changes need an application for approval: 

• Construction of a new building
• Adding or removing a service area 
• Changing the size of a service area 
• A change in the position of exterior entry/exit points of a service area
• The removal or expansion of an existing patio
• A change to capacity (occupant load) of a licensed establishment 
• Any other construction or changes that may affect the licensee's ability to control and supervise patrons

Examples of changes that do not need approval are: 

• Cosmetic changes (i.e. changing the flooring, paint, countertops, and rearranging moveable furniture).
• Adding or changing the position or height of a wall, partial height divider (pony wall), or fixed planters that do not change the size or location of a service area
• Changes to the position of interior entry\exit points of a service area 
• Adding or removing permanent display cabinets, booth seating, stages or dance floors
• Construction that only impacts the patron routing or line of sight between a staff control point and the service area, with no impact to your ability to control patrons

Patio

Liquor service on a patio may impact businesses and residents in the neighborhood of the establishment. The patio application requires local government or First Nation (LG/FN) notification and public consultation. Hours of operation, capacity, and entertainment are considered for patio applications.

An LG/FN may have their own bylaws and permits for patios in their jurisdiction. You are responsible for confirming that the patio application complies with local rules before applying. 

Licensees with seasonal patios require a new outdoor patio application to operate the service area permanently. You can include the months the patio is open when submitting the application.

Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) 

If you are operating an indoor service area under a TESA, you must apply for a structural change as soon as possible. If the LCRB approves your structural change, you can continue operating the service area permanently after TESAs expire on December 31, 2024. 

If you are operating a patio under a TESA, you need to apply for a new outdoor patio as soon as possible. If your patio application is approved, you can continue operating the patio permanently after the expiry date.