Cannabis and Liquor Licence Referral Application

Provincial Cannabis and Liquor Licences require a Cannabis/Liquor Licence Referral Application. 

Non-Medical Cannabis retail sales in Saanich

Licence applications for the retail sale of non-medical cannabis are submitted to the Province through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). As part of their licence process, the Province sends a referral to the District of Saanich. In addition to the Provincial licence, an applicant must also apply to the district of Saanich for a Cannabis/Liquor Licence Referral Application. 

Where a referral is received from the Province, staff review the referral to determine if the use is permitted through zoning. If the use is permitted by zoning, staff would process the referral based on Administrative Policy 1/CAN Non-Medical Cannabis Retail Store Policy. Owners and occupiers within a 180 metre radius would be notified of the application. The application would also be referred to the applicable School District, Saanich Police, and the community association.  Applicants are expected to discuss their application with the community association and hold at least one information meeting. A report to Council including recommendations would be prepared for consideration by Council. The report would address each of the guidelines contained in the Administrative Policy 1/CAN.  A copy of the report and Council resolution would then be forwarded to the Province.  If Council resolves to support the application, the final decision rests with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

If the current zoning does not permit the use the applicant would then have the option of applying for Rezoning or a Temporary Use Permit.

Please note that a Saanich Business Licence and Sign Permit for any Business Signs will be required.

Liquor Licences in Saanich

Liquor licence applications are submitted to the Province through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). In addition to the Provincial licence application, an application must also be made to the District of Saanich for a Cannabis/Liquor Licence Referral Application.

The BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch process requires that a local government or their delegate, must include comments on a new or amendment application that include:

  • The impact on the community if the application is approved;
  • The impact of noise on the community in the immediate vicinity of the establishment;
  • Whether the amendment may result in the establishment being operated in a manner that is contrary to its primary purpose;
  • The location of the establishment; and
  • The person capacity and hours of liquor service of the establishment.

When an application is received, staff review the application to determine if the use is permitted through zoning. If the use is permitted by zoning, staff would process the application based on Council Policy (04/105) Liquor Licensing Public Consultation Process for Liquor-Primary and Food-Primary Licences. For an application for a new or amended liquor licence, Council Policy (04/105) requires notice to community associations, schools, businesses, and social facilities within a 90 m radius of the subject property. A report to Council including recommendations would be prepared for consideration by Council. The report would address each of the guidelines contained in the Administrative Policy Licencee Retail Store (LRS) Rezoning Policy. A copy of the report and Council resolution would then be forwarded to the Province. If Council resolves to support the application, the final decision rests with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

Please note that a Saanich Business Licence and Sign Permit for any Business Signs will be required.

All applications must be complete and contain:

  • Letter addressing policy requirements, including:
    • Proposed location
    • Hours of Operation
    • Parking requirements
    • Proposed Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
    • Community Consultation
  • Five complete sets of plans (Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevations, Cross Sections, Landscape Plan (if required))
  • Site Plan must include distances, closest lot line to closest lot line, from elementary school, middle school, secondary school, playground, community recreation centre and any other non-medical cannabis retail store/Liquor retail store.
  • Completed Application Form
  • Owners Authorization
  • Copy of current (no older than 30 days) Certificate of Title
  • $2000 Fees (Non-refundable)

Associated Cannabis Licence Links

Associated Liquor Licence Links