On December 2, 2024, Burnaby City Council adopted the required bylaw changes to implement the City’s new liquor and cannabis policy. The final policy incorporates much of the feedback we heard from residents during our public consultation which was open in the fall of 2023.

Read the updated policy

We’ve reviewed the City’s existing liquor and cannabis policies to establish a new, up-to-date policy that will guide the liquor and cannabis licensing applications process while balancing the needs and safety of the community.

The updated policy reflects the following goals and objectives of the project:

• to update the City’s guidelines and processes to better align with current Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) policies
• to create a clear and concise policy document, providing transparency and direction for the benefit of both applicants and City staff
• to reduce liquor and cannabis application processing timelines and costs for applicants, creating a more favourable business environment for both small and large operators
• to reduce time Council spends reviewing applications which do not raise significant concerns from the public and City staff judge as having little effect on public safety.
• to support Burnaby’s sustainability and complete community goals, by helping to provide a wide range of services and amenities throughout Burnaby

Major highlights of the policy include:

• establishing a framework for private cannabis stores to open in Burnaby
• the elimination of a rezoning requirement for several liquor and cannabis license types
• no longer requiring restrictive covenants for liquor and cannabis businesses, in most cases
• delegating authority to the General Manager of Planning and Development to provide commentary on liquor licence applications without a Council resolution. Applications that generate significant concerns from staff, RCMP, or the public will continue to be presented to Council for a resolution.