Liquor agency store in a small town

Local residents, cottage and seasonal visitors, and people in towns too small for a full liquor store.

You typically earn a commission or margin on the products you sell, so your income depends on local sales volume and any other products you sell alongside.

• Retail and stock control
• Customer service
• Careful record keeping
• Checking ID consistently

• Application and approval by the provincial liquor board, which may be competitive and slow
• Strict rules on security, storage, record keeping and where you can display stock
• Age and ID checks, with serious penalties for selling to minors
• Commission rates and contract terms, so read the agreement carefully before signing
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for theft or damage
• Seasonal swings in small and tourist communities, especially over winter

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, security and storage setup, insurance and the terms of your agreement. Availability differs by province, and not every province has an agency program.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on your community, commission rates and seasonal swings. The estimate assumes at least 20 hours a week. Small and tourist communities can be quieter over winter.

Check the application and approval process with your provincial liquor board, which may be competitive and slow. Also check rules on security, storage, record keeping and display, age and ID checks, commission rates, contract terms and insurance.