License/Compliance FAQs

Where do I get an application?
An application may be obtained from Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation at 85 O’Leary Avenue, St. John’s, available here on our website or you may contact our office at 724-2238 or 724-2239.

What advertising requirements do I have to fulfill for a Liquor Establishment License?
The advertising requirement that must be fulfilled when the application is being made for an establishment consists of both newspaper advertisements and public notices.

• Newspaper advertisements must measure at least 2”x 3” and appear in a local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks;
• Notices of intention (8.5” x 11” copies) must be completed and posted in three conspicuous places within the specified Municipality (e.g. public bulletin boards, retail outlets, restaurant, etc.) for three consecutive weeks. Such notices must be posted in conspicuous places in proximity to the proposed site. After the expiration of the three weeks, the verification on the back of the posted notices must be completed by officials of the premises on which the notices were posted. All such notices are to accompany the application. 

The required wording for Advertisements and Public Notices:
"Public Notice"
Three weeks from __( Date of initial publication)__ application will be made to the:
Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation
For a ____( type of license)__ to sell spirits, beers, and wines at___(Give street address or exact location)__ in the Community of ___ (Give name of the community)__in the Provincial District of _(State provincial district). __ (Name of Applicant)_.”

Who can apply for a liquor license?

• Please ensure that the exact type of license is denoted in the advertising, for example “Lounge License”.
• The three legal entities eligible to apply for a liquor license are sole proprietorship (individual), partnership, or incorporation. All individuals, officers, or directors must be of the full age of 19 years.
• Unless otherwise stated by The Corporation, notices of intent to apply for an establishment license are valid for six months from the date of the last publication. If the six month period lapses the applicant is required to re-advertise. 

What are the requirements for a license?
Depending on the class of license you require, there are various approvals/documentation required. The following is a list of requirements.

1. Personal Data Sheet
i. If incorporated, each director/shareholder must complete a Personal Data Sheet.
ii. If a partnership, each partner must complete a Personal Data Sheet.
iii. If a sole proprietorship, the individual must complete a personal data sheet.

2. Written current Municipal approval (if applicable)

3. Written approval from the Provincial Fire Commissioner’s Office, or St. John’s Regional Fire Department or the City of Corner Brook Fire Department.

4. One set of original plans, drawn to scale, outlining all areas of your facility, including patios where the sale, consumption and storage of alcoholic beverages is requested, please include washrooms and total number of fixtures located in each.

5. A current signed copy of a lease or purchase agreement (if applicable).

6. Verification of posting of three public notices.

7. Copies of three newspaper advertisements.

8. Written approval from Building Accessibility and Fire & Life Safety.

9. If incorporated, please provide a current certified or current stamped copy of Corporations Act, Form 6 , Notice of Directors.

10. Approval from the Federal Department of Transportation (if applicable).

11. Approval from the Federal Department of Customs & Excise (if applicable).

12. Layout of vessel with an 8 X 10 current picture showing the boat’s registration number (if applicable).

13. Approval from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation(if applicable).

14. Verification of Restaurant Health License (if applicable).

15. Approval from Officer in Charge (CFS Base)(if applicable).

16. Approval from Fire Department (CFS Base)(if applicable).

Listed below are licensing requirements necessary to obtain specific Liquor Licenses:

What happens when I submit my application?
When you submit your completed application and additional required information, the application will be reviewed. Applications will be considered only after all approvals/documentation is received. When the premises is completed and an occupancy card is posted by the Provincial Fire Commissioner’s Office or St. John’s Regional Fire Department (if applicable), a Liquor Establishment Inspector from the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation will conduct an inspection of the premises to ensure that all of the requirements have been met and answer any questions you may have regarding the Liquor Control Act or Liquor Licensing Regulations. Once a satisfactory inspection is conducted a license will be issued. Licensees must ensure that their license is posted in a prominent place on the premises.

Can I transfer my existing establishment license?
Yes, to transfer an existing establishment license an application must be made to the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation. The documentation required is the same as above for new licenses. However, you must also have a letter from the current licensee agreeing to transfer the license. If it is the intention to operate the business while your application is being processed, a letter from the current licensee allowing use of license is required. Unless otherwise directed by the Corporation, you do not need newspaper advertisements or public notice postings.

How do I purchase alcohol for my licensed premise?
All spirits and wine must be purchased from the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation or one of its designated Liquor Express Stores and all beer must be purchased from the Corporation or a brewer’s distributor. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased under the licensee’s license number and all invoices and receipts for such purchases must be kept by the licensee.

What are the hours of sale and consumption?
For establishment licensees alcohol may only be sold during the prescribed hours. The hours of sale are from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. An Extended Hours License permits the sale of alcohol until 3:00 a.m. and permits consumption until 3:30 a.m. on the days immediately succeeding Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

When are minors permitted on a licensed premise?
The Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation may grant authority in writing to the holder of a Lounge, Club, Restaurant/Lounge or Special Event License to have minors on their premises for the purpose of or when:

• Consuming a meal between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., when accompanied by a parent or guardian;
• Attending a bona fide community function;
• Entertaining, provided the minor has written permission from, or is accompanied by, their parent or legal guardian;
• The minor is an employee of an emergency or essential service required to enter a licensed premises in the performance of his or her duties. The minor should immediately leave the licensed premises upon completion of the work;
• Alcoholic beverages are not available for sale and no consumption is taking place;
• Attending a function which is closed to the general public;
• Attending a wedding.
  
  Permission shall not be granted for minors to be in attendance while exotic entertainment is being provided or to be on the licensed premises of a beer tent if the primary purpose of the tent is the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

What is a catering license?
A Catering License allows the sale of beverages for consumption off a licensee’s licensed premises with food which is supplied by the licensee. A Catering License will only be issued to an applicant that already holds a liquor establishment license.

How do I obtain additions or changes to a Regular License?
To obtain permission:

• For minors to be on the licensed premises;
• To extend the existing premises for a special occasion; 
• To renovate or alter the premises;
• For a catering license; or 
•  For extended sale and consumption hours.
  
  

Applications for minors, extension of premises, alter/renovate, catering and extended hours are available at the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation, 85 O’Leary Ave., St. John’s NL or available here on our website. The completed application and required documentation must be sent to the following address:
Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation Regulatory Services
P.O. Box 8750, Station A
90 Kenmount Road
St. John’s, NL
A1B 3V1

Reminders:
A Licensee MUST NOT: 

• Allow any drunkenness and/or disorderly conduct;
• Serve any person apparently under the influence of alcohol;
• Keep the premises in an unclean or unsanitary manner;
• Fail to comply with proper order from the Fire Commission or Enforcement Officers;
• Serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who cannot produce, upon request, valid photo identification as follows: NL Photo Driver’s License, NL Photo Identification Card, Passport, Municipal, Provincial or Federal Police Force Identification, Canadian Armed Forces ID or Out-of-Province Driver’s License.

Note: A License may be suspended or canceled if the licensee is not operating the premises in accordance with the Liquor Control Act, the Liquor Licensing Regulation, or in respect of other conditions which may be added to the license.

What are the requirements for a Brewer’s Distributor License?
To obtain a Brewer’s Distributor License you must submit the completed application form, Personal Data Sheets for all partners or directors and written approval from the Brewery or Breweries whose product you plan to distribute. If incorporated, please provide a current certified or current stamped copy of Corporations Act, Form 6, Notice of Directors.

What are the requirements for a Brewer’s Agent License?
To obtain a Brewer’s Agent License you must submit the completed application, Personal Data Sheets for all shareholders/directors, written municipal approval, and plans drawn to scale including storage area(s). If incorporated, please provide a current certified or current stamped copy of Corporations Act, Form 6, Notice of Directors.

What happens when I submit my application?
When you submit your completed application and additional required information, the application will be reviewed. Applications will be considered only after all approvals and documentation is received. A Liquor Establishment Inspector from the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation will conduct an inspection of the premises to ensure that all of the requirements have been met and answer any questions you may have regarding the Liquor Control Act or Liquor Licensing Regulations. Once a satisfactory inspection is conducted, a license will be issued. Licensees must ensure that their license is posted in a prominent place on the premises. The Licensees must also ensure a price list and bottle deposit is posted. All beer must be purchased from the Corporation or a brewer’s distributor. All beer must be purchased under the licensee’s license number and all invoices and receipts for such purchases must be kept by the licensee.

For Brewer’s Agent licensees, beer may only be sold during the prescribed hours. The hours of sale are from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.

Special Event Licenses

Who can apply?
Any charitable or nonprofit organization raising funds for charitable purposes that does not hold an establishment license is eligible to apply.

Where can I obtain an Application?
You may obtain an application from the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation, 85 O’Leary Ave., St. John’s or download the application form here. Applications and required fees must be submitted to Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation, Regulatory Services P.O. Box 8750, Station A, 90 Kenmount Road, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3V1. To ensure that your application is processed, it should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of the proposed event along with the fee.

What does a Special Event License authorize?
A Special Event License authorizes the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at one location only for a specified time. One event can include two venues operating at different times. All alcoholic beverages sold must be consumed the day(s) and during the hours prescribed in that license. All liquor for resale must be purchased from the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation or one of its designated Liquor Express Stores and all beer must be purchased from the Corporation or a licensed Brewer’s Distributor. All alcoholic
beverages must be purchased under the licensee’s license number and any invoices or receipts for such purchases must be kept by the licensee.

Where can I hold a special event?
A special event license may be obtained for indoor events, outdoor events, or events that combine usage of indoor and outdoor facilities provided all requirements are met.

Indoor Event: For indoor events, submit the completed form and required fee. Please specify the area(s) of the building(s)
to be used for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. In a stadium, the area commonly referred to as the “Ice Surface Area” may be used for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, but sale and consumption shall not take place in the seating area of the stadium unless specifically authorized.

Outdoor event: To obtain a Special Event License for an outdoor event, the application must be accompanied by a copy of a site plan
clearly showing the exit and entrance, the service bar and the location of any buildings or tents to be used in relation to the proposed licensed area. The location of washroom facilities within the licensed area must also be shown.The event area must be adequately enclosed by double fencing, no less than four feet in height and secured in such a manner as to ensure that it remains upright and secure during the hours of operation. There must be a distinctive entrance and exit from the enclosure that is supervised at all times. Sufficient lighting must be installed for evening functions.

Combined Event: An event may take place in a combined indoor/outdoor facility or it may begin at an outdoor location and be moved to an indoor facility. For an event combining the use of indoor and outdoor facilities, the requirements for both must be fulfilled. This means that the applicant must specify the area(s) of the building(s) to be used and submit a copy of an outdoor site plan.

Note: For all special events, the licensee is responsible for ensuring that the only alcoholic beverage brought onto the licensed area are those which are purchased under his/her license. The licensee is also responsible for ensuring that no alcoholic beverages are removed from the premises by customers.

What is the cost of a Special Event License?
An application fee of $100 per day is required for a Special Event License. The fee is the same for usage of a full or partial day and it must be submitted with the application. To ensure the prompt and timely issuance of your Special Event License submit your completed application including the event site plan (for outdoor or combined events) to Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation at least two weeks before the scheduled event.