Liquor Licence/Cannabis Retail

Applications for Cannabis Retail Sales are reviewed in accordance with the Cannabis Retail Sales Policy, which establishes a clear set of guidelines to ensure responsible and community-sensitive development.

Key considerations for applicants

1. Locational criteria
   • Stores must be located in areas designated in the Official Community Plan (OCP).
   • Stores must generally be at least 200 metres away from schools, parks, recreation centres, and other cannabis stores.
   • Only one store per urban community is permitted (Aldergrove, Brookswood-Fernridge, Carvolth, Murrayville, Willoughby, Willowbrook).
   • Exceptions may apply for stores in designated Commercial Centres.
2. Rezoning requirements
   • A site-specific rezoning application is required alongside the provincial licensing process.
3. Licencing process
   • The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) handles provincial licensing.
   • The Township must receive a referral from the LCRB before proceeding with rezoning.
   • Public input is gathered through hearings or written submissions, in accordance with provincial requirements and the Township’s Development Application Procedure Bylaw.
4. Compliance
   • Stores must meet all relevant Township bylaws and policies (e.g., zoning, building, fire prevention).
   • Must follow Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
   • A valid LCRB licence is required before retail sales can begin.
5. Community impact
   • The Township evaluates each application based on its compatibility with surrounding land uses and potential impact on the community.
   • Recommendations to the LCRB include whether the application should be approved or rejected, with reasons provided.

The Township of Langley reviews certain liquor licence applications in coordination with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) application requirements.

When Is a Township application required?

A development application to the Township is required for:

• New and amended Liquor Primary Licences
• Licence conversions (e.g., from food-primary to liquor-primary)
• Manufacturer Licences with lounge or special event endorsements

Application requirements

Applicants must submit liquor licence applications to the LCRB as well as the Township.

Review process

Applications are:

• Reviewed for compliance with Township bylaws and policies
• Referred to internal departments and external agencies (e.g., RCMP)
• Evaluated based on:
• Location criteria (e.g., proximity to schools, parks, residential areas)
• Community impact, including noise and safety
• Alignment with zoning and development regulations

Applications may be subject to public consultation (e.g., hearings, notices).

Council involvement

In some cases, Council may also review and provide a resolution of support or objection, depending on the nature of the application.

Recommendations to LCRB

The Township provides written comments and recommendations, including:

• Community feedback, if applicable
• Assessment of noise and operational impacts
• Approval or rejection rationale

Alcohol production in the ALR

Alcohol production is permitted on ALR land, however specific conditions apply based on the size of the property:

Production Requirements:

• Properties under 2 ha (4.94 acres):
  At least 50% of the primary farm product (e.g., grapes for wine) used in alcohol production must be grown on the same farm.
• Properties over 2 ha (4.94 acres):
  At least 50% of the primary farm product must be:
• Grown on the same farm, or
• Grown on another farm in British Columbia under a minimum 3-year supply contract.
• If these conditions aren’t met, a non-farm use application is required.

More on ALR regulations.

Licencing for alcohol production

To produce or manufacture alcohol in BC, you must apply to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a Manufacturer Licence.

Basic manufacturer licence

Does not require Township Council endorsement. With this licence, you can:

• Sell products to licensees via the Liquor Distribution Branch
• Promote products offsite
• Serve samples indoors between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Offer guided tours (indoors or outdoors if related to production, e.g., vineyards)

Optional endorsements

You may also apply for these endorsements:

Need help?

• For licencing: Contact the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch
• For building permits or business licences: Email Permits and Licensing at buildinginfo@tol.ca
• For professional guidance: Consider hiring a qualified consultant

Ready to apply?

1. Create a BCeID
   • Liquor and cannabis licensing applications must be submitted online through the LCRB Application Portal. To log into the LCRB portal, you must have a BCeID.
2. Get your paperwork ready
   • Collect all the necessary documents to submit your application.
3. Submit your application to the LCRB
   • Liquor and cannabis licensing applications must be submitted online through the LCRB Application Portal accessed from the LCRB website.
4. Submit your application to the Township
   • After you have submitted your application through the LCRB Application Portal, you will need to submit an application to the Township through the Development Application Portal, including all required items.
   • The Township will begin to process your application only after your application and payment have been received.