Liquor Retail Stores
Within British Columbia, there are several different types of private liquor retail stores:
Licensee Retail Stores
These outlets are often referred to as private liquor stores or cold beer and wine stores.
Licensee retail stores may sell beer, wine, coolers, cider, and a full range of spirits.
They may sell liquor any time between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and may also sell packaged snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, B.C. Lottery products, and liquor-related items, such as glasses, bottle openers and corkscrews. Minors are allowed in licensee retail stores, if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Existing licensees can apply to move their store to a different location. (See Making Changes to My Licence).
We are not accepting applications for new licensee retail stores at this time 
Off-site Retail Wine Stores
These include stores associated with a particular winery or group of wineries, independent wine stores, Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine stores and tourist wine stores. They operate as a separate retail store and are not located at a winery.
To operate an off-site retail wine store, you must have an appointment issued by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. You may apply to move your store to a different location. (See Off-Site Wine Store Appointments - Transfer of Location (LCLB092B)).
We are not accepting applications for new off-site retail wine stores at this time
Manufacturer On-site Retail Stores
These are stores that are on the same site as a winery, brewery or distillery that sell products made at that manufacturing facility. (See Applying for a manufacturer on-site retail store).
Rural Agency Stores
These are stores in rural communities where it is too small to warrant the establishment of a government liquor store. For more information on the Rural Agency Store Program, please see the Liquor Distribution Branch.
