Opening a liquor store or adding alcohol sales to an existing business can be a smart way to meet customer demand and increase revenue. But before you stock your shelves with wine, beer, or spirits, you need to apply for a liquor retail licence. Each province in Canada has its own regulations, which can make the process seem complex, especially for first-time applicants.
This guide breaks it all down from understanding your eligibility to submitting the final application. Whether you’re opening a new retail shop or expanding an existing one, knowing how to apply correctly can save time, money, and frustration.
A liquor retail licence is a legal requirement that allows a business to sell alcoholic beverages directly to consumers for off-site consumption. This is different from restaurant or bar licences, which permit serving alcohol for immediate consumption on the premises.
A retail licence doesn’t just give you the right to sell it also holds you accountable to operate responsibly under public safety and health guidelines.
While the specific forms and procedures may differ slightly between provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta, most applications follow a similar structure.
Every province has a liquor control authority (e.g., AGCO in Ontario, AGLC in Alberta, LCRB in British Columbia). These boards manage licensing, inspections, renewals, and enforcement.
Before applying, read through the rules provided by your provincial regulator. They often publish guidelines and checklists tailored to different licence types.
Your business must meet certain conditions before you’re considered eligible to apply. These may include:
If your store is located within proximity to a school, community centre, or place of worship, additional scrutiny or restrictions may apply.
Most applications will ask for the following:
Organizing these in advance helps avoid delays and keeps the process moving.
Once your documents are ready, fill out the application provided by your province’s liquor authority. This can typically be done online, though some provinces still accept paper forms.
You’ll be required to:
Always double-check for missing information. Incomplete or inconsistent applications are the most common reason for delays.
Liquor authorities perform detailed checks on applicants. This includes:
If your business has multiple partners, each one may be required to provide their personal background documents.
In many provinces, you’re required to inform the public about your intent to sell liquor. This might involve:
During this period, the community can submit objections, which may trigger a hearing. It’s essential to remain responsive and professional if any concerns arise.
Once your documents are accepted, an inspector may visit your premises to verify:
If any issues are found, you may be asked to make corrections before final approval.
Approval timelines vary by province but typically range from 30 to 90 days. You’ll receive a confirmation notice once your licence is approved, allowing you to legally begin alcohol sales.
Avoiding small missteps can make the difference between a quick approval and a months-long delay.
Delayed or missing public notifications
Even experienced business owners can run into hurdles with licensing applications. Regulations change frequently, and government documentation often uses legal terminology that’s easy to misinterpret.
They act as a bridge between your business and the licensing authority especially useful if you’re applying in multiple provinces or have a complex business structure.
At MF License & Regulatory Consultants (MFLRC), we specialize in simplifying the liquor licensing process for retail businesses across Canada. With years of regulatory expertise, we:
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or expanding your operations, our team works alongside you to ensure every step is covered with precision and care.
Make sure you’ve checked all the boxes before hitting submit:
Public notification completed (if required)
Getting a liquor retail licence isn’t just about paperwork it’s about understanding the rules, preparing properly, and staying compliant throughout the process. Each step matters, and rushing through the application can cost both time and revenue.
If you’re unsure about where to begin or how to navigate the requirements for your province, MFLRC is here to help you move forward with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward becoming a licensed liquor retailer.
| Disclaimer |
| The above blog post is provided for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to your specific circumstances. This blog post does not constitute legal advice or other professional advice and may not be relied upon as such. |
MFLRC is a one-stop shop for all of your Licensing, quality assurance and compliance needs. Our team has years of experience in the cannabis industry and are experts in all facets. We offer a variety of services that will save you time and money. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what’s important – growing your business.
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Mussarat Fatima, President, and owner of MF Cannabis License and Regulatory Consultants has more than twenty years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs within the pharmaceutical, Food and Cannabis industries. She has a Master’s Degree in Food Sciences and Biochemistry; in addition to this, she also has a diploma in pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Control. Also, she has completed several certifications specifically in Cannabis Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Facility management from recognized institutes in Canada.
Written By: Mussarat Fatima
President at MF License & Regulatory Consultants
Website: https://mflrc.com/
Contact: info@mflrc.com
