Start Burnaby Distilleries: How to Launch Craft Spirits
This page gives you a practical roadmap to launching a distillery in Burnaby (NAICS 312140). It breaks down the 10 regulatory requirements into a clear path, with a realistic view of permits, costs, and timelines from idea to first bottle. You’ll find a concise overview of what’s needed to get started, plus a practical checklist you can reference as you plan your business.
From federal licenses to local approvals, you’ll learn what permits you’ll need, typical costs, and the documents you’ll submit. We cover the licensing timeline, facility and equipment standards, labeling and packaging rules, tax obligations (excise duties), and key inspections. Expect a practical overview of the steps and what to prepare to move quickly through the approval process.
Burnaby’s mix of industrial spaces, proximity to Vancouver’s supplier network, and a growing craft spirits scene make it a strong foundation for a new distillery. This city–industry combo supports growth, collaboration, and visibility.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a distillery in Burnaby is Alcohol Manufacturing License. This license is a legal prerequisite to produce alcohol, and you cannot operate without it. In British Columbia you’ll also pursue the BC Liquor Manufacturer Licence (Brewery/Winery/Distillery) to legally manufacture—and, depending on your plans, sell—alcoholic beverages. These licenses are non-negotiable; without them you’re out of compliance from day one.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits are the next focus. Make sure your site is covered by WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers and meet provincial safety rules. For alcohol production, you must manage Excise Tax and Duty (Alcohol) with the federal authorities and keep accurate records. If you hire staff, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration. Tobacco-related licenses (Tobacco Excise Stamps and Tobacco Manufacturing License) aren’t typically needed for a standard distillery unless you’re expanding into tobacco products.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) Registration with the federal government, and BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating under a named business in a sole proprietorship or partnership. GST/HST Registration is required for taxable sales and is handled through the federal system. Getting these registrations in place early keeps your business compliant and ready to bill customers and remit taxes.
Encouragement: You’ve got a solid starting map. Begin with the critical Alcohol Manufacturing License and BC Liquor Manufacturer Licence, then tackle the BN, BC Name, and GST/HST steps. Create a practical timeline, gather required documents, and consider a quick consult with the licensing bodies or a regulatory advisor to tailor this checklist to your Burnaby plan. With steady progress, your distillery can move from concept to compliant operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a distilleries in Burnaby:
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Alcohol Manufacturing License RequiredManufacturing of alcoholic beverages requires federal licensing and excise tax registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, plus provincial authorization. CRA Excise Act 2001 license for spirits, wine, beer manufacturing. Separate from provincial retail. Excise duty/levy rates. Monthly returns. Production records. Spirits: distiller license. Wine: wine licensee. Beer: brewer license. Contact CRA Excise: 1-800-959-5525.
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Tobacco Excise Stamps RequiredTobacco manufacturers must affix excise stamps to tobacco products, register with CRA, pay excise duties, and comply with tracking and reporting requirements. CRA Tobacco Excise Stamps. Required for cigarettes and tobacco products. Stamp ordering through CRA. Serialization tracking. Contact CRA: 1-800-668-5370.
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Tobacco Manufacturing License RequiredTobacco manufacturers must be licensed by Health Canada, comply with packaging and labeling requirements, health warnings, and restrictions on flavors and marketing. CRA Excise Duty license for tobacco manufacturing. Tobacco Excise License required. Stamping requirements. Inventory control. Monthly returns. Strict record keeping. Provincial retail separate. Contact CRA Excise: 1-800-959-5525.
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BC Liquor Manufacturer Licence (Brewery/Winery/Distillery) RequiredProvincial licence for manufacturing beer, wine, spirits, cider, and other alcoholic beverages in British Columbia Apply to Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). Application fee: $550. First-year licence: $550-1,100 depending on type. Winery requires 4,500L minimum production capacity. Endorsements available: lounge ($330), on-site store ($330). Must sign LDB sales agreement. Contact: LCRB at 1-866-209-2111.
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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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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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Excise Tax and Duty (Alcohol) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Alcohol manufacturers must register with CRA, calculate and remit excise taxes, maintain records, and comply with bonding requirements. Excise Act compliance for alcohol production. CRA excise licence. Duty calculations. Inventory control. Export exemptions. Contact CRA Excise: 1-866-330-3304.
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your distilleries:
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A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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The APITC offers a 12% tax credit on eligible capital expenditures for qualifying agri-processing projects. Eligible activities include food, beverage, meat, alternative protein, animal feed, biofuel, biochemical, bioplastics, cosmetics, and natural health product manufacturing. The credit is non-refundable and non-transferable, claimable against Alberta corporate income tax over up to 10 …
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The Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive (SVAI) is a non-refundable, non-transferable corporate income tax (CIT) credit applied against eligible capital expenditures for newly constructed or expanded value-added agriculture processing facilities. The credit is structured on a graduated scale: 15% on expenditures up to $400 million, 30% on expenditures between $400 million …
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