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Liquor licences

Home > Business services > Permits & licences > Liquor licences

The Provincial Liquor and Licensing Branch (LCRB) regulates the licensing of all liquor establishments and the retail sale of alcohol in British Columbia. In specific circumstances, the LCRB requires that Local Governments provide input. 

Local government comments are a key component of the LCRB’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. 12552. For more information, contact our Planning Department at 250-469-8626 or [email protected].

Liquor licence application process
  • Review the Liquor Licensing Policy to understand policy used to evaluate applications. 
  • Submit application to the provincial LCRB. If Local Government input is required for a proposal, the LCRB will notify the Local Government of a new application. 
  • The City will contact the applicant, who must then submit a Liquor Licence Application to the Development Planning Department. 
  • The application is circulated to various departments.
  • If Council consideration is not required, Staff will process the application and provide approval/non-approval.
  • If Council consideration is required, Development Planning Staff will prepare a Council Report and it will be scheduled for a Council Meeting.
  • Public input is sought when the application is brought forward for consideration during a regular Council meeting. Meeting dates are advertised in the newspaper and on our website. 
  • Once Council passes a resolution, it’s forwarded to the LCRB; provincial staff make the final decision. 
Types of Input
  • Council Resolution: Council must provide a recommendation of support or non-support for an application based on criteria prescribed by the LCRB. Examples of applications which require Council consideration include:
    • New/Changes to a Liquor Primary Licence.
    • Food Primary Licences with hours past midnight or seeking Patron Participation Endorsement. 
    • New/Changes to a Manufacturing Licence area endorsements. 
  • Objection/No Objection Process: Local Government must advise whether they have objections to a license amendment. This process is not required to be completed by Council. 
  • Confirmation of Zoning: Local Government must advise whether the correct zoning is in place for a proposal. 
Occupant Load

Any application that affects the size or capacity of a liquor service area must have a stamped Occupant Load by the City of Kelowna Building & Permitting Department. A stamped Occupant Load can be obtained by submitting a General Permit application.

Occupant Load Bulletin

Examples of applications that require a stamped Occupant Load
  • New Liquor Primary Licence
  • New Manufacturing Lounge Area Endorsement or Special Event Area Endorsement
  • Permanent or temporary increase in the person capacity of a liquor service area
  • Permanent or temporary extension of a liquor service area
  • Permanent or temporary addition of a patio to a liquor service area
RCMP Approval

Applications for temporary amendments to extend hours of service require approvals and fees to be paid to the RCMP. After submitting an application on the LCRB Portal, but prior to submitting an application to the City of Kelowna, applicants must attend the RCMP Detachment to obtain RCMP approvals and pay the required fees. Confirmation must be submitted with the application to the City. 

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