Before we can issue the licence, you must submit all final required documents and have met all requirements.
Municipal, Provincial and Federal Requirements
All liquor licence holders, same as all business owners in Manitoba, must comply with the legislation relevant to their business. These include all relevant municipal, provincial and federal laws. The Liquor Licence Department will discuss any requirements that must be completed in order to receive the liquor licence applied for.
It is then your responsibility to ensure that these requirements are met in order to receive the liquor licence that you applied for, and you must consider the time it may take to meet these requirements in order to receive a liquor licence. These requirements will include:
- Municipal zoning approval
- Relevant occupancy and fire safety approvals
- Municipal/provincial health approval
Responsible Service Training
In Manitoba, the successful completion of responsible service training is a requirement for all persons involved in the sale and service of liquor. Licensees serving or retailing liquor must ensure that all staff, including security and managers have successfully completed responsible service training prior to the start of employment in a licensed premises.
The Smart Choices training program is being offered through the Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC). Persons who have successfully completed the former It’s Good Business program or Serving It Safe program have a five-year grace period before they have to take Smart Choices.
Licensing Seminar
We conduct a licensing seminar with you to review a variety of information including information on renewing a liquor licence; responsible service; available posters and signage and the role of the Liquor Inspector. This seminar may be held at the premises if the LPA is conducting a final inspection or at the LGCA offices.
Final Inspection
If a final inspection of the premises is required the LPA will arrange a time to conduct a final inspection to ensure all requirements have been met. Other government regulatory agencies responsible for fire, health and building may also be conducting final inspections.
Receiving the Liquor Licence
We will let you know when your liquor licence is ready. You will receive the liquor licence and any terms and conditions that apply to that licence. You must follow all terms and conditions of the liquor licence. In order to retail product in Manitoba, you must make arrangements with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation.
Holding a Liquor Licence
The liquor licence may be valid for a period of up to five years but you will be required to update paperwork and pay a licence fee annually. You can make arrangements to pay for these annual fees by setting up an electronic funds transfer (EFT) account. We will send you a review form on an annual basis approximately one month before the required form and fee are due.
Once a liquor licence expires, you will be required to renew your licence. We will send you a renewal form approximately six weeks prior to the due date for the renewal and fee.
Once a premises is licensed you will be assigned an inspector who will be available to answer any licensing questions on an ongoing basis. The inspector will conduct inspections of the premises and offer ongoing training or training you request.
It is your responsibility to notify the LGCA if major renovations are made to the premises, if there is a change to the partners or officers of the corporation, or if you intend to close your premises. Liquor licences are not transferable and become void when ownership changes.