How to open a restaurant in BC: permits, licences and the order to get them (2026)

Opening a restaurant in British Columbia means working with several bodies at once: the municipality, one of the province's regional health authorities, the liquor regulator, WorkSafeBC and the federal and provincial tax offices. Each has its own forms and its own pace. The order in which you approach them decides whether you open on time. This guide sets out a typical sequence. It is a summary, not legal advice, and requirements differ between municipalities, so confirm each step with the body that issues the approval.

Step 1: Check the site before you sign a lease

Ask the municipality's planning department whether the address is zoned for a restaurant and for any special features you plan, such as a patio, late hours or live music. Ask the building department about change of use, since converting a shop or an office to a restaurant can trigger requirements for washrooms, ventilation and fire separation. Put conditions in your lease so you can walk away if approvals fail.

Step 2: Set up the business

Choose a legal structure with your accountant or lawyer. Register the business, and a trade name if you will use one. Register with the Canada Revenue Agency for GST. If you will sell alcohol or other goods that carry provincial sales tax, ask the provincial tax office about registering for PST (see the guide to PST and GST for BC restaurants). Open a business bank account, and arrange insurance.

Step 3: Get the municipal business licence

Most municipalities in British Columbia require a business licence to operate. The City of Vancouver and other cities have their own process, often with checks from zoning, building and health. Apply early and ask which approvals the licence depends on.

Step 4: Plan review with your health authority

British Columbia's food premises are regulated by regional health authorities: Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, Island Health, Interior Health and Northern Health. Contact the one for your area before you build. The Food Premises Regulation sets standards for design, equipment, sinks, food storage and cleaning, and health authorities usually ask to review plans before construction and to inspect before you open. A plan review can catch a layout problem while it is cheap to fix. Ask what the health authority expects for ventilation, handwashing sinks, dishwashing and food storage.

Step 5: FOODSAFE and training

BC expects food premises to have staff with food safety training. FOODSAFE is the province's recognized certificate. See the guide to FOODSAFE. Plan training before you open.

Step 6: Liquor licence

If you will serve alcohol, you need a licence from the provincial liquor regulator. The two common types are food primary, where food service is the main business, and liquor primary, such as a bar or pub. Apply early, because the process involves local government input and a public process. Staff who serve alcohol need Serving It Right certification. See the guide to BC liquor licences.

Step 7: Fire, building and occupancy

The fire department will check exits, extinguishers, the suppression system over cooking equipment and occupancy limits. Gas and electrical work need licensed trades. Make sure the occupancy load on your permit matches your seating plan.

Step 8: Employer registrations

If you will hire staff, register with WorkSafeBC, set up payroll with the CRA, and check the Employer Health Tax. Read the Employment Standards Act on minimum wage, hours, tips and statutory holidays. See the separate guides.

Step 9: Signs, music and other licences

Check your municipality's sign bylaw before you order a sign. If you play music, you may need licences from the music rights organizations. Patios on public land often need a separate permit. If you intend to operate a food truck or a street cart, there are separate permits.

Step 10: Accessibility and your website

The Accessible British Columbia Act sets a framework for accessibility. Even where its rules do not yet bind a small business, a website that works for people using screen readers is good practice. See the guide to the Accessible BC Act.

What order works best?

Start with zoning and the lease, then design, then plan review with the health authority and building permits, then liquor and business licence applications in parallel, then training, then inspections. The slowest items are often building permits, liquor licensing and construction. Build slack into your schedule and your cash plan.

What mistakes delay owners?

• Signing a lease before checking zoning.
• Building before the health authority has reviewed the plans.
• Not allowing for the liquor application timeline.
• Hiring before registering with WorkSafeBC.
• Opening before inspections are complete.

Who can help?

Your municipality's business office, your health authority's environmental health officers, the liquor regulator, WorkSafeBC and your accountant. Industry bodies such as the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association can also direct you to current requirements.

More guides for your business:

• The Accessible BC Act and your restaurant website: what applies today and what to do anyway
• WorkSafeBC for restaurants: registering, first aid and keeping your kitchen safe
• BC's delivery app fee cap: what it covers, what it does not and how to work out your real margin

More in the Canadian guides for food businesses.