Liquor licences
The Provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) regulates the licensing of all liquor establishments and the retail sale of alcohol in British Columbia. City of Kelowna Municipal Council is referred on a number of these applications, including liquor primary applications and other licence endorsements. We review all requests for patio expansions and extensions to hours of operation.
Local government comment is a key component of the LCLB’s licensing decisions. Council recognizes the importance of public entertainment venues, including liquor establishments, as a component of all vibrant cities. Managing the priorities of all community stakeholders is a delicate balance.
A current list of fees can be found in Development Applications Fee Bylaw No. 10560. For more information, contact our Planning Department at 250-469-8626 or planninginfo@kelowna.ca.
Liquor licence application process
- Review the Liquor Licensing Policy to ensure you meet the requirements
- Submit application to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, which will in turn send a summary to us. The applicant must then submit a City of Kelowna Liquor Licence Application Form to Planning and Corporate Services.
- The application is reviewed by various departments prior to staff preparing a recommendation for Council’s consideration
- Public input is sought when the application is brought forward for consideration during a regular Council meeting. Meeting dates are well advertised in the newspaper and on our website
- Once Council passes a resolution, it’s forwarded to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch; provincial staff make the final decision
Liquor licence applications requiring public meetings:
- New liquor primary licence (100 persons or greater)
- New liquor primary licence (less than 100 persons)
- Change to existing licence
