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Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB)

Compliance and Enforcement

The goal of the Compliance and Enforcement Program is to reduce liquor-related threats to public safety such as service to minors and intoxication, and promote voluntary compliance with provincial liquor laws by licensees.

We conduct education sessions with new licensees, and regular inspections of existing licensed premises, focusing on establishments that are considered high risk, either because of the location, type of venue, or clientele they serve. If an inspector observes a contravention to the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, the inspector will issue a contravention notice. Depending on the circumstances, the inspector may request that the licensee attend a compliance meeting.

If the situation has been on-going, or represents a threat to public safety, the inspector may also recommend enforcement action. If the branch proceeds, the licensee may face a suspension, monetary penalty or licence cancellation. The branch can also recommend additional terms and conditions such as shorter hours or rescind existing privileges. The licensee can then either accept the penalty and waive the opportunity for a hearing, or request the opportunity for an adjudicated hearing.

Liquor Control and Licensing Enforcement Rules (LCLB201)
For information on how the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch conducts enforcement hearings.


Liquor Control and Licensing Enforcement Process
For information about inspections and what happens if a liquor inspector or police officer observes that either the manager or staff of a licensed establishment is contravening provincial liquor laws.


Minors as Agents Program (MAP)
The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch employ minors as agents to monitor compliance with the legislative prohibition of selling liquor to minors. The report below covers the 2011/12 fiscal year up to March 31st, 2012.


Search Enforcement Decisions
You may search online for enforcement decisions and waivers made by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch as of 2003. Specific names and other information have been removed to comply with the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Recent Compliance and Enforcement Summary Reports


Glossary of Decision Types
Click here to view a glossary of decision types and their definitions

Enforcement Hearing Decision
The Liquor Control and Licensing Act authorizes the general manager of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to take action against a licensee for alleged contraventions of the Act, branch regulations and/or the terms and conditions of the licence. In general, when a licensee disputes the alleged contraventions, a hearing will be held. These are the decisions resulting from those hearings.
Waiver
A licensee may choose to waive the opportunity for an enforcement hearing by signing a waiver. A waiver is an agreement that the alleged contravention occurred, an acceptance of the enforcement action proposed by the branch and an acceptance that the contravention and enforcement action will form part of the history of the licence and the licensee.
Judicial Review
A licensee who is dissatisfied with a decision or order of the general manager may apply to the B.C. Supreme Court for a judicial review of the decision.
Liquor Appeal Board
Prior to 2002, the Liquor Appeal Board (LAB) heard appeals of the general manager's decisions. In early 2002, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act was amended and the LAB was eliminated. Now, any request for a review of the decisions of the general manager must be made to the B.C. Supreme Court.


To contact a liquor inspector in your area, please refer to the list of Liquor Control and Licensing Branch Offices.

For information about the enforcement process and enforcement decisions made before 2003, please contact the branch:

In Victoria, call 250-387-1254
Elsewhere in B.C., call toll-free 1-866-209-2111, or
E-mail to lclb.lclb@gov.bc.ca