Launch Your Burnaby Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers Today
This Burnaby page helps you start a Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailer under NAICS 445320 with six practical requirements. You’ll get a clear overview of the permits you need, the typical costs, and the expected timeline so you can plan confidently rather than guesswork.
Here's what you'll learn: the exact permits to secure (Burnaby municipal business license and a BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch Retail Store Licence), documents to prepare (lease or property ownership, floor plan, security plan, operating policies), rough costs (licence and application fees, store setup and compliance costs, security deposits), and the typical timeline (from a few weeks to several months, depending on approvals).
Burnaby is a great fit for a new beer, wine, and liquor retailer due to strong consumer demand, transit access, and a welcoming business climate. The city's mix of neighborhoods and growing retail scene creates steady foot traffic, while the licensing process keeps operations responsible and compliant.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a beer, wine, and liquor retailer in Burnaby is Product Safety Compliance (Retail). This is a legal requirement and you cannot legally sell products unless they meet safety standards, are properly certified for retail sale, and are handled according to approved procedures. This requirement is non-negotiable, so make it your top priority from day one.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep your store running safely and within the rules. In practice, this means focusing on health and safety: secure and maintain WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect staff and customers and to follow the province’s workplace safety rules. You’ll also perform ongoing checks to ensure products continue to meet safety standards as part of everyday operations.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) registration and, if applicable to your structure, BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. On the tax side, consider GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions registration to handle sales taxes and employee withholdings correctly.
Next steps: Use this as a practical checklist and build a realistic timeline. Start by confirming Product Safety Compliance requirements with the appropriate authorities, then arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, and set up your BN and business name (if needed). Decide if GST/HST and payroll registrations apply to your operation and prepare the necessary registrations. If you’d like, I can help map a step-by-step plan and a tailored checklist for your Burnaby store.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a beer, wine, and liquor retailers in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Product Safety Compliance (Retail) RequiredRetailers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards, properly label products, report safety incidents, and participate in product recalls when required. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) applies federally. Health Canada enforces. Mandatory incident reporting for serious harm. 6-year record keeping. Recall responsibilities. No provincial retail license for general products. Children's product safety requirements stricter. Cosmetics: labeling and notification. Check recall database. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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