Licences and Permits

A business license is NOT required for the the sale of goods or merchandise Indoors at City of Vernon Facilities.

Special Event Business License:
A special event business licence only applies when the event is not on a City of Vernon property.
Contact: buslicence@vernon.ca to obtain a special event business licence. More information can be found on City of Vernon Business Licences & Permits page.

Processing a new business licence or renewal requires a minimum of 14 business days to process the application.

If you are planning on serving food such as, having a BBQ or pancake breakfast, an Interior Health Permit is required:  

• Information and applications for Temporary Food Service can be found on the Interior Health website.  
• Applications emailed  EHCentral@interiorhealth.ca - Submit your information to Environmental Public Health as early as possible (minimum 30 days in advance). City of Vernon also requires a copy of the Temporary Food Permit. 
• Certified compostable food utensils, plates and napkins are encouraged at all events.
• If a vendor is from a local restaurant they would still require a Temporary Food Service Permit as they are operating off site from their permitted restaurant.

Mobile Food Vending at an event at City of Vernon Park or Facility:

• Indicate mobile food vending request on the event application form
• There are designated food vending locations at the Vernon Recreation Centre and Vernon Curling Club - please confirm locations with the Recreation Events Coordinator
• There are designated food vending locations at Polson Park, DND, Marshall Fields, etc. - please confirm locations with the Recreation Events Coordinator
• External event organizers are required to hold a Rental Permit Contract and are required to ensure mobile food vendors have the following certificates:
  A valid Interior Health approval certificate, and
  A current Fire inspection certificate from the City of Vernon (click here for City of Vernon Fire Department - Mobile Vendor Inspection Request)
• The external event organizer is required to provide a site plan map – indicating the location and list of food vendors - sent via email
• The external event organizer is required to collect appropriate documentation for mobile food vendors, save it and share it upon request with the City of Vernon’s Recreation Events Coordinator

• If you are planning on using barbeques at your event, the information needs to be indicated on the outdoor event application form.
• For example, if you are planning on using barbeque equipment for a pancake breakfast or burger/hot dog BBQ’s, then please describe in detail.
• Interior Health Food Services requirements will need to be completed and approved in conjunction with barbeque use.
• For BBQ’s, please put a BBQ mat underneath to catch grease. No grease stains allowed on grass or concrete.
• City of Vernon Fire Department approval will be required.
• City of Vernon Fire prevention Bylaws #5635 – Barbeques and Hibachis are permitted to be used in parks as long as used in a safe manner and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
   

The City of Vernon has updated the Parks and Public Places Bylaw #5057 to prohibit smoking and vaping of any substance in public places in Vernon with the exception of roadways and sidewalks, and designated smoking/vaping areas. The downtown transit exchange and all transit stops are now non-smoking/non-vaping areas. The updated Bylaw designates lake access sites within the City of Vernon as non-smoking/non-vaping areas.

For external event organizers wanting to serve or sell alcohol to be consumed on City property, a liquor license may be obtained depending on the nature and location of the event. In addition, all requirements must be completed and approved in advance of the event date.

Process:

1. If you are planning on serving or selling alcohol, complete the section on the event application form.
2. The City of Vernon and RCMP approval required (Authorization granted by the City does not relieve the event organizer from any legal obligations and/or requirements).
3. Applying for a liquor permit through BC Liquor and Cannabis Branch
4. Perimeter fencing - Please describe
   • If liquor service is provided throughout the whole event site, the whole event site must be surrounded by a barrier (Expense to the event organizer).
   • Approval will be required by the City Parks department.
5. Creating a security plan - Please describe
   • General guidelines for licensed areas for alcohol consumption in City parks and sports fields must be enforced.
   • List the hours alcohol is being served and/or sold during each day of your event.
   • What will be served at your event including beer, wine and spirits.
   • Consider ticketed sales area, service area, entrance and exists and security locations.
6. Comprehensive liability insurance with extended coverage to include “Liquor Liability" will be required for the event.
7. A copy of the insurance certificate and the liquor permit is required to be sent to events@vernon.ca, a minimum of 14 days in advance of the event.

At Event:

1. Display your liquor permit at your event - to be posted in a visible location.

Resources and Links:  
BC Liquor and Cannabis Licensing online.  
BC Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Event Permit Manual.