About this matter

Overturned liquor licence cancellations on appeal

The B.C. Court of Appeal overturned a decision cancelling the liquor licences of a family-operated bowling alley after a minority shareholder was convicted of a sexual offence involving a minor employee. The Court found the Branch’s decision unreasonable because it relied on factual and procedural errors, ventured beyond its expertise in assessing the risk of reoffending, and failed to consider less severe conditions or the significant impact of cancellation on other owners, employees and the business. The licences were ordered renewed subject to conditions.