Quebec issues new simplified liquor permits

Published July 17, 2019

In 2017, Quebec introduced a new liquor licensing regime allowing licensed establishments to have one liquor license per use, instead of one license for every room where alcohol is sold or served.

This new regime, coupled with an overall reduction in licensing fees (adopted in 2016), has represented a significant step toward simplifying Quebec’s liquor licensing system and reducing costs for bars and restaurants across the province.

With the final integration of these changes into the administrative system of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux now complete, the new system is officially up and running.

Good news for bars and restaurants with multiple rooms

From this point forward, a licensee may still require an additional permit if serving liquor on a patio, separate from the license for operations inside. However multiple liquor permits are no longer needed if an establishment has more than one room. For businesses that used to hold five licenses or more, this can represent savings of a few thousand dollars per year.

New permits must be displayed once received

New licenses have been issued and mailed to each licensed establishment across the province. Quebec regulations mandate that, once received, the document should be posted in a visible area at the entrance of the licensed establishment. Permits also now have a new number, which makes replacement mandatory.

Please see the official press release from the Régie for further details.

If you have any questions or would like more information, you can get in touch with David Lefebvre, Restaurants Canada Vice President, Federal and Quebec, at DLefebvre@restaurantscanada.org.

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