Liquor Update:

This change applies to the following licences:

• Manufacturer licensees

Section 71 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation (LCLR) is amended to allow manufacturers to apply to permanently license an outdoor sampling area. This includes those under a Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA), provided it is not an extension of a lounge or special event area (SEA). See the Liquor Policy Manual for detailed outdoor sampling area licensing requirements.

This change also streamlines the application process.

Helpful information

Manufacturers can have outdoor sampling areas without the:

• Annual fees for a lounge or SEA endorsement
• Limitations of a picnic area endorsement (i.e., no liquor service)

To apply for an outdoor sampling area, submit a “Structural change to a production or storage area, sampling area, or on-site store” application in the liquor and cannabis licensing portal (formerly called “Facility Structural Change Application.”

Do not apply for a structural change if you want to extend an approved lounge or SEA endorsement outdoors. This is only possible through a “new outdoor patio application” for an approved lounge or SEA endorsement. Local governments and First Nations (LG/FN) must review outdoor service areas (i.e., patios) that are connected to a lounge or SEA.