Coming up

Coming up: rule changes for BC restaurants

What is about to change for restaurants, cafés, bars, caterers and food trucks on Vancouver Island: liquor, payroll and staff, tax, packaging, and local fees and bylaws. 24 changes have a date set, and 11 are proposals that may or may not go ahead. Each links to the document it comes from.

Only what’s coming

Once a change takes effect it leaves these pages, and the guide’s own answer carries it. A proposal is marked “Proposed — may not happen” until the government, board or council decides.

BC votes on 24 October 2026

The legislature is dissolved for the October 24, 2026 provincial election, and WorkSafeBC has paused its open consultations until after it. Provincial proposals below may change or lapse; changes already set in law keep their dates. Elections BC

35 changes

  1. Takes effect 1 October 2026Province of British Columbia

    PST on toll-free lines, basic cable and clothing services

    Restaurants and caterers with a toll-free number, bars paying for basic cable TV, and anyone paying for uniform alterations or repairs.

    Now
    Business toll-free numbers, basic cable TV and services to clothing are exempt from PST.
    After
    7% PST applies to all three. Laundry and dry cleaning stay exempt. (The PST on accounting, bookkeeping and other professional services, due the same day, was paused on September 18.)

    In this guide:BC PST registration

    Source
  2. Takes effect 9 October 2026Employment and Social Development Canada

    The list of Island cities where low-wage foreign workers can be hired is updated

    Restaurants hiring temporary foreign workers below BC’s wage threshold.

    Now
    For applications made July 10 to October 8, 2026, Victoria’s are processed (4.6% unemployment) and Nanaimo’s are not (6.5%). Nanaimo has been over the line all year.
    After
    A new quarterly list decides whose applications are processed from October 9, based on each city’s unemployment rate.
    Source
  3. Takes effect 1 November 2026Province of British Columbia

    Pay transparency reports for employers with 50 or more staff

    Employers with 50 or more employees in BC on January 1, 2026 — a restaurant group with several locations, for example.

    Now
    Only employers with 300 or more employees had to publish a pay transparency report.
    After
    Employers with 50 or more must publish one by November 1, 2026, and by every November 1 after.
    Source
  4. Takes effect 1 January 2027WorkSafeBC

    WorkSafeBC premium rates for 2027

    Every farm or food business with employees.

    Now
    The 2026 base rate for your industry.
    After
    The average base rate stays at $1.55 per $100 of payroll, but it moves by industry: 48% of employers see their industry’s rate rise and 30% see it fall. “Restaurant or Other Dining Establishment” is among the rates going up; vegetable farming and farm labour supply are among those going down. The published 2027 rates are preliminary.

    What to do: Look up your industry’s 2027 rate before you budget next year’s payroll.

    In this guide:WorkSafeBC coverage

    Source
  5. Takes effect 1 January 2027Canada Employment Insurance Commission

    Employment insurance premiums for 2027

    Every employer.

    Now
    The 2026 rates, on insurable earnings up to $68,900.
    After
    $1.64 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.30 for employers, on earnings up to $70,800.
    Source
  6. Takes effect 1 January 2027Government of Canada

    Base CPP contribution rate cut

    Every employer and employee.

    Now
    The base CPP rate is 4.95% each for the employee and the employer.
    After
    4.75% each (9.5% combined). The cut is law, but still needs a federal cabinet order to take effect, and the CRA hasn’t published 2027 figures.
    Source
  7. Takes effect 1 January 2027City of Courtenay

    Courtenay’s new business licence bylaw

    Restaurants, cafés, pubs, caterers and food trucks licensed in Courtenay.

    Now
    A restaurant licence is $150 a year and a snack bar $50; a food truck pays $150 on private property or $450 on public property; late renewals pay a penalty.
    After
    A restaurant pays the resident-business rate — $350 new or $250 to renew — plus a $50 application fee on a new licence; pubs and nightclubs stay at $1,000. Food trucks pay $250 on private property or $450 in a City park, without the old 30 m distance from restaurants. A licence not renewed by January 31 is cancelled, and the $150 Courtenay–Comox licence ends.

    What to do: Renew by January 31, 2027. The bylaw doesn’t say whether a 2027 renewal of a licence issued under the old bylaw counts as new or renewed — ask the City.

    In this guide:Municipal business licenceRestaurants & cafésFood trucks & cartsCaterers & personal chefsCity of Courtenay

    Source
  8. Takes effect 1 January 2027City of Courtenay

    Courtenay sewer charges for restaurants rise

    Cafés, restaurants (drive-in and take-out included), beverage rooms and bakeries in Courtenay.

    Now
    $1,328 a year for a café, restaurant or beverage room, and $664 for a bakery.
    After
    $1,632 a year for a café, restaurant or beverage room, and $816 for a bakery, with further steps set to 2029.

    In this guide:City of Courtenay

    Source
  9. Takes effect 1 January 2027City of Campbell River

    Campbell River sewer rates rise

    Restaurants, cafés and pubs in Campbell River.

    Now
    Unmetered sewer is $164.59 a month for a restaurant, $120.77 for a café and $407.67 for a pub or lounge; metered sewer is $1.28 per m³.
    After
    $173.15, $127.05 and $428.87 a month; metered sewer $1.35 per m³.

    In this guide:City of Campbell River

    Source
  10. Takes effect 1 January 2027City of Victoria

    Victoria patio licence fees for 2027

    Restaurants, cafés and bars with a City patio licence on a sidewalk or street.

    Now
    In 2026, a simple patio in Fee Area 1 pays $4.07 a square foot a year and a complex one $5.78 (down to $1.96 and $2.78 in Area 5). The bylaw in force would double these in 2027.
    After
    Under the amendment given three readings on September 10 and set for adoption on September 24, 2026, fees rise 2.5% a year to 2031 instead: $4.17 and $5.92 a square foot in Fee Area 1 in 2027.

    In this guide:Patio and sign permitsCity of Victoria

    Source
  11. Takes effect 1 January 2027Town of View Royal

    View Royal’s new home-business rules

    Home food makers and caterers in View Royal.

    Now
    A home business must be one of the listed types, and catering isn’t one; a home-craft licence costs $50.
    After
    Three open types replace the lists, but catering, cafés and restaurants are named as banned, food sold must be made on the property, and home-craft licensees pay the $100 home-business fee.

    In this guide:Home-based business zoning

    Source
  12. Takes effect 1 January 2027District of Oak Bay

    Oak Bay’s business licence fee doubles

    Restaurants, cafés and other businesses licensed in Oak Bay.

    Now
    A business licence is $50 a year, and a single-day licence $50.
    After
    $100 a year from the 2027 licence year, and $25 for a single day. Council was set to adopt the bylaw on September 21, 2026; the minutes aren’t posted yet.

    In this guide:Municipal business licenceDistrict of Oak Bay

    Source
  13. Takes effect 1 January 2027Capital Regional District

    Capital Region landfill fee for garbage rises

    Food businesses in the Capital Region, through their hauler’s bills (or directly, if they haul their own).

    Now
    $160 a tonne of garbage in 2026.
    After
    $165 a tonne in 2027 and $170 in 2028. Kitchen scraps stay at $140 a tonne.
    Source
  14. Takes effect 4 January 2027WorkSafeBC

    New WorkSafeBC rules for combustible dust

    Employers whose work makes or uses dust that could burn. WorkSafeBC names bakeries (flour and sugar) as a typical case; a farm that mills grain or stores dry product in bulk bins may be one too.

    Now
    No rules written specifically for combustible dust.
    After
    A written assessment of the dust risk, a dust management program and worker training. Workplaces with no reasonably foreseeable risk from burning dust are exempt, and so is dust sealed in commercial packages.

    What to do: If you bake at volume, mill, grind or store dry product in bulk, read the new rules and decide whether they apply to you.

    In this guide:WorkSafeBC coverageBakeries

    Source
  15. Takes effect 29 January 2027City of Victoria

    Victoria’s free building, sign and development permits end

    Anyone planning a fit-out, a change of use or a new sign in Victoria.

    Now
    Complete applications for building, plumbing, electrical, sign and development permits pay no City fee.
    After
    The waiver repeals itself 12 months after its adoption on January 29, 2026, and standard fees return. Council could extend it.

    What to do: If you are planning a fit-out or a new sign, a complete application before the waiver ends pays nothing.

    In this guide:Building permit for alterations or a change of usePatio and sign permitsCity of Victoria

    Source
  16. Takes effect 1 April 2027Government of Canada

    Alcohol excise duty rises, capped at 2%

    Restaurants and bars buying beer, wine and spirits, through wholesale prices; breweries, wineries and distilleries directly.

    Now
    The duty rises with inflation every April 1.
    After
    The 2027 increase is capped at 2%, and lower if inflation is. BC wholesale prices update automatically.

    In this guide:Breweries, wineries, cideries & distilleries

    Source
  17. Takes effect 1 April 2027Employment and Social Development Canada

    Rural relief on the foreign-worker cap ends

    Restaurants outside the Victoria and Nanaimo metropolitan areas that hire low-wage temporary foreign workers.

    Now
    Until March 31, 2027, BC employers outside metropolitan areas may keep their current share of low-wage temporary foreign workers, even above the 10% cap.
    After
    The 10% cap applies again.
    Source
  18. Takes effect 1 June 2027Province of British Columbia

    BC minimum wage rises

    Every employer.

    Now
    $18.25 an hour.
    After
    A higher rate set by BC’s 2026 inflation, as the law requires every June 1. The new amount hasn’t been announced.
    Source
  19. Takes effect 1 April 2028Government of Canada

    The small-brewery excise discount shrinks

    Breweries making under 15,000 hL a year, brewpubs and tasting rooms included.

    Now
    On the first 15,000 hL, a small brewery pays 5%, 10% or 20% of the regular duty, by volume band.
    After
    10%, 20% and 40% of the regular duty.

    In this guide:Breweries, wineries, cideries & distilleries

    Source
  20. Takes effect 1 July 2028Province of British Columbia

    PVC film wrap is restricted

    Restaurants, caterers and food trucks packing takeout or delivery in PVC cling film, and anyone selling food wrapped in it.

    Now
    PVC film wrap is exempt from BC’s single-use plastics rules.
    After
    The exemption ends: takeout and delivery food can’t be handed out in PVC film, food can’t be sold wrapped in it, and businesses can’t sell PVC film wrap in BC.

    What to do: Plan the switch to another wrap before then.

    In this guide:Bags, takeout containers and utensils

    Source
  21. Takes effect 1 January 2029Environment and Climate Change Canada

    Supply of HFC refrigerants is halved

    Restaurants with walk-ins, reach-ins or ice machines using HFC refrigerants. There is no new duty on you.

    Now
    Suppliers’ HFC allowances are 60% of the baseline.
    After
    30% of the baseline, which means less HFC refrigerant available for servicing older equipment.
    Source
  22. Takes effect 1 June 2029Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch

    The trial letting licensees buy from liquor stores ends

    Food-primary, liquor-primary and catering licensees.

    Now
    Since May 29, 2026, licensees may buy from private and BC Liquor stores, at no less than the wholesale price.
    After
    The trial ends unless the province extends it or makes it permanent.

    In this guide:Food primary liquor licence

    Source
  23. Takes effect 1 January 2030Canadian Food Inspection Agency

    New names for milk ingredients on labels

    Anyone selling packaged food whose ingredient list names “milk ingredients” or “modified milk ingredients”.

    Now
    Either the old wording or the new one may be used.
    After
    “Modified milk ingredients” becomes “milk-derived ingredients”, with revised rules on which ingredients each name covers. The old wording is no longer allowed.

    What to do: Change the wording the next time you reprint labels.

    In this guide:Federal food labelsPackaged food makers

    Source
  24. Takes effect 1 July 2030Province of British Columbia

    Foam trays for raw meat, poultry and fish are restricted

    Anyone packing raw meat, poultry or fish on polystyrene foam trays.

    Now
    Foam meat trays may be used.
    After
    Polystyrene foam trays for raw meat, poultry and fish are restricted under BC’s single-use plastics rules.

    What to do: Plan the switch to another tray or to vacuum packing before then.

    In this guide:Bags, takeout containers and utensilsMeat, poultry & egg producers

    Source
  25. Proposed — may not happenWorkSafeBC

    Psychological health and safety, and harassment and violence rules

    Every employer.

    Where it stands: Consultation paused for the provincial election; it had been due to close November 6, 2026.

    Now
    The workplace safety regulation doesn’t address psychological hazards, and treats violence from customers separately from conflict between workers.
    If it goes ahead
    Employers would identify psychological hazards and reduce the risk to the lowest level practicable, and the violence rules would cover the whole range of inappropriate behaviour — from customers as well as co-workers.

    In this guide:WorkSafeBC coverage

    Source
  26. Proposed — may not happenProvince of British Columbia

    Accessibility standards for service and hiring

    Restaurants only if the standards are extended to private businesses, which they aren’t today.

    Where it stands: The Provincial Accessibility Committee proposed the standards to the minister at the end of 2025. No regulation has been drafted.

    Now
    BC’s accessibility law applies only to named public-sector organizations.
    If it goes ahead
    Standards for service delivery (events, advice, buying goods and services) and for employment (hiring, training, retention). Consultation favoured phasing in larger organizations first.
    Source
  27. Proposed — may not happenCity of Victoria

    Victoria’s noise bylaw rewrite

    Bars and restaurants with patio speakers or outdoor music, and any business with rooftop equipment or private waste pickup.

    Where it stands: On September 3, 2026, Committee of the Whole asked staff to draft the bylaws. No bylaw or date yet.

    Now
    Noise limits depend on the district; commercial amplified sound is limited to 70 dBC by day and 65 at night, measured where the person complaining is.
    If it goes ahead
    No outdoor amplified sound after 10 PM at commercial properties; the 70 and 65 dBC limits would cover all noise, measured on the street or lane next door; new limits for rooftop heating and cooling equipment (50 dBC by day, 45 at night); and waste pickup from 6 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, 9 AM to 7 PM on weekends.

    In this guide:City of Victoria

    Source
  28. Proposed — may not happenCity of Victoria

    No parking variance to move into an existing Victoria space

    A restaurant or café moving into an existing building in Victoria.

    Where it stands: Introduced July 9, 2026 and referred to a public hearing, not yet scheduled.

    Now
    A new use that needs more parking stalls than the site has needs a variance.
    If it goes ahead
    A change of use within an existing building, to a use the zone already permits, would be exempt from the parking rules.

    In this guide:Zoning for your food businessCity of Victoria

    Source
  29. Proposed — may not happenDistrict of Saanich

    Saanich’s new parking and loading rules

    Restaurants building, expanding or changing use in Saanich.

    Where it stands: Under consultation; Saanich expects to bring a final draft to Council in early 2027.

    Now
    The current off-street parking and loading rules apply.
    If it goes ahead
    Updated rules for commercial parking and off-street loading areas; the draft isn’t published yet.

    In this guide:Zoning for your food businessDistrict of Saanich

    Source
  30. Proposed — may not happenCity of Victoria

    A simpler way to host events on private property in Victoria

    Bars, restaurants and caterers hosting events in their own lots, courtyards or private spaces.

    Where it stands: Council directed staff on July 30, 2026; staff say more analysis is needed before any bylaw.

    Now
    There is no set process: hosts need a temporary use permit or case-by-case approval.
    If it goes ahead
    A streamlined process for special events on private property, with zoning changes if needed.

    In this guide:City of Victoria

    Source
  31. Proposed — may not happenParticipating Vancouver Island municipalities

    The updated Vancouver Island Inter-Community licence

    Food trucks and caterers that move between Island communities.

    Where it stands: Adopted by several of the 14 participating municipalities in 2025–2026, with Colwood’s readings on its September 28, 2026 agenda. It starts only once every participating municipality has adopted it.

    Now
    Each municipality’s bylaw sets its own fee and exclusions — Colwood, for example, charges $70 on top of its $100 licence.
    If it goes ahead
    One standard bylaw: $170 on top of the local licence, and mobile food vending (carts, trailers and trucks) excluded.

    In this guide:Municipal business licenceFood trucks & cartsCaterers & personal chefs

    Source
  32. Proposed — may not happenCity of Nanaimo

    Nanaimo drops its own sprinkler requirement

    Restaurants renovating, expanding or building in Nanaimo’s commercial and mixed-use zones.

    Where it stands: On the September 21, 2026 council agenda for three readings; not adopted.

    Now
    Nanaimo requires sprinklers throughout a building for construction in these zones, with exemptions for smaller alterations and additions.
    If it goes ahead
    The City’s own sprinkler requirement would be removed.

    In this guide:Fire safety: kitchen hood, suppression and inspectionBuilding permit for alterations or a change of useCity of Nanaimo

    Source
  33. Proposed — may not happenParliament of Canada

    A ban on promoting alcohol (Bill S-203)

    Bars and restaurants that advertise drinks or drink specials.

    Where it stands: A senator’s bill at second reading in the Senate, last debated February 5, 2026. It would also have to pass the House of Commons.

    Now
    No federal ban on promoting alcohol.
    If it goes ahead
    Promoting alcohol — including sharing its price — would be banned, except at the point of sale showing only availability and price, and informational promotion where minors aren’t allowed.
    Source
  34. Proposed — may not happenParliament of Canada

    Warning labels on packaged alcohol (Bill S-202)

    Anyone selling packaged alcohol — tasting rooms, and restaurants selling bottles or cans to go.

    Where it stands: A Senate bill at third reading, last debated June 2, 2026. It would take effect a year after it passes.

    Now
    No mandatory health warning on alcohol.
    If it goes ahead
    Drinks of 1.1% alcohol or more could be sold only in a package carrying a prescribed warning label.

    In this guide:Breweries, wineries, cideries & distilleries

    Source
  35. Proposed — may not happenProvince of British Columbia

    Only high-efficiency heating after 2030

    Restaurants that will replace gas water heaters or space heating after 2030.

    Where it stands: A 2021 CleanBC commitment. No regulation has been drafted.

    Now
    Gas water and space heaters may be sold and installed.
    If it goes ahead
    New space- and water-heating equipment sold and installed in BC would have to be at least 100% efficient. Cooking equipment isn’t named.
    Source

Last checked 26 September 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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