Overview

An alcoholic beverage license that is temporarily discontinued for any reason must be surrendered to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) for safekeeping. Most licenses are put into safekeeping as a result of renovations or damage to an establishment; the expiration of a lease; or being in the process of moving to a new location.  

To Apply

Submit applications by postal mail or email.

Valid Period and Fees

A safekeeping fee will be assessed every six months that a license is approved to be held in safekeeping status. Fees are as follows: 

• Any license that is in safekeeping for less than two years is assessed a fee of 25 percent of the annual cost of the license every six months.
• Any license that is in safekeeping for two years or more is assessed a fee of 50 percent of the annual cost of the license every six months.

Of Note

Any licensee with a liquor license being held in safekeeping will need to request an extension by the following deadlines each year in order to maintain safekeeping status: 

• March 31; and
• September 30