Manufacturer's Licence
In British Columbia, any company making spirits, wine, cider or beer (this includes brew pubs) must have a manufacturer's licence from the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
With a manufacturers licence you may:
- set aside an area as a sampling room to provide samples to the public
- apply for one on-site retail store at the winery, brewery or distillery
- apply for four additional licence "endorsements": a lounge, special event area, tour area and picnic area
A lounge is an indoor or patio area where customers can purchase and consume product made on-site; special event areas are indoor or outdoor on-site areas where patrons can purchase and consume liquor during special events such as weddings – they are event driven and not an extension or alternative to a lounge; in the picnicking and tour areas, liquor is restricted to that served or sold from the on-site store.
Lounge and special event endorsements are subject to local government approval. Tour and picnic area endorsements are not subject to local government approval, but do require Liquor Control and Licensing Branch approval. Minors are allowed in these areas only if accompanied by a parent or guardian or working as entertainers.
- apply for tied house associations with up to three off-site licensed establishments and sell/promote your product in these establishments
To qualify for an off-site tied house association, annual production volume must not exceed 100,000 litres for a distillery, 750,000 litres for a winery, or 300,000 hectolitres for a brewery. In addition, the manufacturer must either have an ownership interest in the licensed establishment, operate the establishment under a third party operator agreement, or have a relationship with the licensed establishment, through a family member who either owns the establishment or is the third party operator of the establishment.
- apply for tied house associations with other on-site licensed establishments (such as an adjoining restaurant) and sell/promote your product in the restaurant
Manufacturers who want to market and promote their products off-site may do so, but must have an agent's licence. Please see our section on the Agent's Licence for more information.
Please note:
If you are applying to open a brewery, distillery, or winery, you will also need a Federal Excise Tax licence and tax number (in the same name as the one you supply on your liquor licence application). We recommend you apply for this licence early to avoid unnecessary delays. Please see the Canada Revenue Agency web site for more information.
You must also contact the Liquor Distribution Branch to ensure you meet their requirements, as they are responsible for the sale and distribution of all beverage alcohol products in B.C.
Steps to take to get a manufacturer licence?
