The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is seeking engagement from ABLE BC and licensees on temporary relocations for liquor retailers in BC, including Licensee Retail Stores (LRS), Wine Stores, and government liquor stores.
 
A liquor retailer cannot relocate permanently within a 1 km radius of another retailer, except in limited circumstances. The 1 km rule is a cornerstone policy priority for ABLE BC that we will continue to maintain in perpetuity. It was introduced to provide market stability and prevent densification. Many current LRS and BCL locations were approved before this rule came into effect.  
 
If an LRS or BCL is unable to operate at their licensed location due to significant renovations or redevelopment, the licensee can choose to:
  • Temporarily close the location until the location can resume operation (i.e., place the licence into “dormancy”); or,
  • Permanently relocate to an eligible new location.
There is currently no provision that allows a liquor retailer to temporarily relocate or that allows a licence to relate to more than one establishment.
 
Permitting a liquor retailer to temporarily relocate raises considerations of eligibility, location requirements, and time limit. 

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* 1. Do you support potential changes to allow for an LRS licensee, Wine Store licensee or a BCL to temporarily relocate? Please explain your position.

If the LCRB allowed temporary relocations eligibility criteria will be required to limit the impact to other retailers and maintain market stability.

Considerations:
  • Should eligibility for a temporary relocation be limited to specific circumstances?
  • If so, what circumstances should be eligible?
  • What should happen to the licence if these circumstances change before it returns to the permanent location?

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* 2. If yes to the above, under what circumstances should a temporary relocation be permitted?

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* 3. Should temporary locations be permitted to be within one km of another existing or proposed LRS, Wine Store or BCL? Please briefly explain.

It may not always be possible to find a temporary location that is both economically viable and that satisfies the one-km km rule.

Considerations:
  • Could a proposed temporary location be located within one km of another liquor retailer’s permanent location, and if so, under what circumstances?
  • Could a liquor retail store permanently relocate within one km of another retailer’s temporary store location?
  • Would it be feasible to find a temporary location that satisfies the current one km criteria?

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* 4. Should there be a limit on how long the temporary relocation is in effect?

Given the potential impact on other liquor retailers and the broader policy implications, it is likely necessary to limit the time that a temporary location would be allowed.

Considerations:
  • What the maximum time limit would be?
  • Whether the time limit would apply in all circumstances, or if flexibility to extend the time limit in some circumstances should be available.
  • Whether there should be a different time limit for different circumstances.
  • What happens to a licence that fails or is unable to return to its permanent location within the maximum time permitted?

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* 5. If you answered yes to question 4:
  1. How long should the time limit be?
  2. Should it be one time limit or a different limit for different circumstances?
  3. Should there be any possibility for an extenstion?

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* 6. Where is your business located?

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* 7. Optional: Provide your contact information. This will be kept confidential and will not be shared with the LCRB.

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