Cannabis and Liquor Licence Referral Application

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Application Requirements

The full application requirements are outlined below. As we cannot accept or process incomplete applications, we strongly suggest you review the Digital Submission Requirements and contact Planning staff with any questions. 

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

Step 1 - Prepare your Documents

  • Review the Cannabis.Liquor Licence Referral Application Form and the Required Documents Glossary to determine what you need to submit. You can contact staff with questions about the process such as:
    • Which application type you need to submit
    • How a specific requirement relates to your project

Step 2 – Submit your Application

Step 3 – Staff Review of your Submission

  • When you submit your documents, notify the Planning Department so staff can begin reviewing your materials.

Step 4 – Paying your Fees and Tracking your Progress

  • When your submission is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay your application fee(s).
  • Pay your fees through your MySaanich account via credit card or in person at the Municipal Hall via cheque, cash, debit card, and credit card.
    • Application fees are due by credit card (Visa and Mastercard only) at the time of submission. A 2.4% convenience fee appllies to credit card payments.
    • Please note that application fees are non-refundable. 
  • Upon receipt of payment your application will be prepared for circulation with applicable internal departments and external agencies.

Application Documents

Non-Medical Cannabis Retail Sales in Saanich

Licence applications for the retail sale of non-medical cannabis are administered by 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 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.  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.

*Note: Several of the District’s planning and development application fees have been updated to reflect current processing costs and to support timely, high-quality service delivery. Application fees shall increase by 3% annually for five years, rounded down to the nearest $5.00, commencing on January 1, 2027, with the final increase occurring on January 1, 2031.