Dan Coles Authors Liquor Licensing Chapter for CLEBC

September 21, 2022 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird shareholder Dan Coles has authored a new chapter on Liquor Licence Due Diligence for the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C.’s Due Diligence Deskbook. The 2022 print edition of the publication is scheduled for release today, Sept. 21st!

The new chapter covers the key legislation, policy, and due diligence procedure for transactions involving liquor licences in B.C., whether a lawyer’s client is looking to enter the hospitality sector, acquire an existing licence along with premises such as a restaurant or bar, or investigate the licensed establishments operating in a target commercial property.

Written primarily from the…

Market Update: COVID-19’s impact on British Columbia’s food & beverage sector  

April 07, 2020 - Daniel Coles

Few industries in British Columbia were hit harder or faster by the emergence of COVID-19 than the food and beverage sector. On March 20, 2020 Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, in accordance with her authority under the Public Health Act, enacted a series of restrictions on the operation of bars and restaurants across the province. The effect of her orders was to limit the operation of restaurants and coffee shops to take-away food service only. For bars, clubs, or restaurants not equipped to handle take-out or delivery food service, Dr. Henry’s order meant immediate closure.

In the days that…

BC Liquor Law Update: Be aware of these changes coming in 2017 that may negatively impact your licensed establishment

December 20, 2016 - Daniel Coles

Businesses currently operating licensed establishments in British Columbia, or considering purchasing a going concern, should take note of the following significant changes to British Columbia’s liquor laws into force in January, 2017:

New policy on “dormant” licences

Currently in British Columbia there are no minimum use requirements for liquor licences. That means a licensee may allow its establishment to become “dormant” – by keeping its licence in good standing, but for any number of reasons not operating the affiliated bar or restaurant. Generally speaking licences go dormant during extensive renovations, after fires or during times of financial stress.

After January…

BC Liquor Law Update: Grow your business with these exciting changes coming in 2017

December 13, 2016 - Daniel Coles

Whether your business is currently active in the hospitality industry, or you are considering entering this dynamic and growing sector, you should take notice of the following changes to British Columbia’s liquor laws coming into force in 2017

Any business will be able to apply for a liquor licence

The long-standing policy in British Columbia has been that only businesses that are “primarily engaged in hospitality, entertainment or beverage service” can apply for a liquor primary licence – on January 23, 2017 when the new Liquor Control and Licensing Act comes into force that will change. Beginning in January any…