Become a Manufacturer
Overview
In BC, any business that intends to produce liquor in the province must be licensed by the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). In addition, as the LDB is the sole wholesaler in the province, BC liquor manufacturers may only sell and distribute their products in BC if they are authorized by the LDB. All authorized BC liquor manufacturers must have a signed sales agreement with the LDB.
Here are some helpful resources for manufacturers looking to obtain a sales agreement with the LDB.
The Role of the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB)
The LCRB is the branch of government that provides BC liquor manufacturers with a licence to produce liquor products in BC. Under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, the LCRB authorizes production of liquor products in BC, as well as on-site sales of these products at the manufacturing facility through endorsements to the manufacturer's licences. A potential liquor manufacturer must obtain a manufacturer’s liquor licence from the LCRB before producing any liquor in BC. Find out more on how to obtain a manufacturer’s liquor licence by visiting the LCRB website.
The Role of the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB)
Under the Liquor Distribution Act, the LDB authorizes sales of liquor by BC manufacturers within the province. This is done via a sales agreement with the LDB. The sales authorization process can only be started once a manufacturer has applied for a Manufacturer Licence with the LCRB.
The LDB uses an established set of criteria, including manufacturing type, manufacturer inputs and manufacturer output product types, to determine the classification of an applicant. Some agreements may require an on-site inspection to confirm compliance with the agreement terms.
Once the information is collected and verified, the LDB provides a sales agreement to successful applicants. The sales agreement regulates how the manufacturer may sell and distribute its products, and provides requirements relating to reporting sales, making payments and maintaining records.
Licensed liquor manufacturers may be subject to audits by the LDB to ensure they are in compliance with their sales agreement.
Sales Agreements - Classifications by Manufacturer Types
- Land Based Winery
- Commercial Winery
- Brewery
- Brewpub
- Craft Distillery
- Commercial Distillery
Information on sales agreements for potential BC liquor manufacturers.
Detailed Step-By-Step Process
There are four major steps that must take place for an applicant to obtain a sales agreement and be ready to sell product in BC. To review each step, click here.