Liquor licence conditions (terms and conditions)

Liquor licence conditions are the terms that come with a liquor licence and shape how a bar or restaurant may operate. A buyer should read the conditions as closely as the licence itself, because in British Columbia, for example, they can cover the hours a service area may be open and the entertainment allowed. The answer on patio and entertainment licences covers a related question.

British Columbia

Section 15 of British Columbia’s Liquor Control and Licensing Act lets the general manager, subject to the Act and the regulations and in the public interest, impose terms and conditions on a licence or endorsement that is being or has been issued. Without limiting that power, the general manager may impose terms on all matters related to the manufacture, purchase, sale, service and consumption of liquor, including the days and hours a service area may be open and the games and entertainment allowed.

Ontario

The AGCO says permanent changes to a licensed area, such as increasing its capacity, are made by application on the iAGCO portal. Its guide also says a licence to operate a liquor consumption premises is eligible to be transferred to a different person provided the regulatory requirements are met. This entry covers British Columbia and Ontario only; check the rules in the province where the business is.

What to ask

• The current licence and every term attached to it.
• Whether the business actually operates within them.
• Whether the buyer’s plans, such as longer hours or live music, need an application.