Licensing and permitting

NWT Liquor Licences

In this section:

To apply for a liquor licence in the NWT, you must submit the appropriate application to the NWT Liquor Licencing Board. If you have questions or concerns about the application process contact the NWT Liquor Licensing Board.

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Premises Licences

Premises Licences are issued to establishments wishing to sell liquor to their patrons. Premises include bars, lounges, restaurants, service clubs, recreational facilities, and tourist facilities.

Class A

Class A is also known as a Liquor Primary Licence. This class of licence is for establishments whose primary purpose is the sale and service of liquor. Minors are not permitted in Class A establishments except under certain specific circumstances and/or with the authorization of the Board. For more information about Class A licences, please refer to:

Class B

Class B is also known as a Food Primary Licence. This class of licence is for establishments whose primary purpose is the sale and service of meals. For more information about Class B licences, please refer to

Class C

Class C is also known as a Mobile Licence. This class of licence is for establishments generally providing catering services at various locations, or on a ship providing tourism services. Minors are not permitted in Class C establishments unless the Board has approved the presence of minors or the licence is for a ship. For more information about Class C licences, please refer to

Class D

Class D is also known as a Liquor Incidental Licence. This class of licence is for canteens, bed and breakfast operators, remote lodges, facilities providing community, recreational, or cutlural activities, or unlicensed tourist facilities to hold a mini-bar extension. For more information about Class D licences, please refer to:

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Licence Renewals

The following form may be used to renew any Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D licence:

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Manufacturing Licences

Manufacturing Licences are issued to businesses wishing to make their own liquor (such as beer, wine, or other spirits) for commercial sale. This does not include beer or wine made at your home for personal use.

The holder of a Manufacturing Licence may also apply for a Retail Outlet Licence, which authorizes the holder to sell their own manufactured liquor out of their own retail outlet (store).

For more information about Manufacturing Licences, please refer to:

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Licence Extensions

Extensions issued by the Board allow for the sale or service of liquor under other circumstances in addition to those granted under a Premises or Manufacturing licence.

This extension may be requested at the time of applying for a liquor licence by completing the appropriate section of the licence application form and the Application for License Extension form.

There are six types of extension:

  1. Manufacturer's Extension: Authorizes the holder of a Manufacturing Licence to sell and serve their own manufactured liquor in their own Class A, B or D licenced premises.
  2. Banquet room Extension: Authorizes Class A, B or D licenced premises to sell or serve liquor in their own banquet room. License Holders must also complete the Banquet Room Notification and Acknowledgement Form.
  3. Mini-bar Extension: Authorizes Class A, B or D licenced tourist facility to sell liquor from a locked dispenser in a room rented as overnight accommodation.
  4. Room service Extension: Authorizes Class A, B or D licenced tourist facility to sell or serve liquor to a registered guest for consumption in a room rented as an overnight accommodation.
  5. Off-premises Extension: Authorizes Class A or B licenced premises to sell beer to persons for consumption off the licenced premises.
  6. Bring your own wine (BYOW) extension: Authorizes patrons to bring unopened bottles of commercially-made wine for consumption in Class B licenced premises.
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