Richmond council unanimously backs 24-hour liquor licence change for Romer’s Burger Bar at YVR

The Story

Richmond city council has unanimously approved an amendment to a liquor licence for Romer’s Burger Bar at Vancouver International Airport, a change that would extend alcohol service to 24 hours per day.

The approval came Monday, with council sending its support to the province to permit the extended liquor hours for the restaurant’s location at YVR’s USA and International Departures Terminal.

The request would allow the bar to serve alcohol all day, seven days a week. It would bring Romer’s Burger Bar in line with other options already operating under 24-hour liquor licences at the airport.

City staff reported that the proposal did not raise objections from any parties involved in the review, including Vancouver Coastal Health. Staff analysis also concluded there should be no noticeable potential impact from noise and no significant effect on the community.

In a report to council, Mark Corrado, director of community bylaws and licensing, said there are no schools, parks or other public buildings near the restaurant. He also noted that Richmond residents would not be directly affected because the business is located post-security in the USA and International Departures Terminal.

The restaurant’s current operating hours for alcohol are described as Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The licence amendment would extend that window to midnight-to-midnight service.

Staff also told council that no issues had been raised since the business opened in June 2025. The seating capacity was also described as unchanged at 70.

Coun. Carol Day said the practical value of extended hours is that travellers may want food and drinks at times that can shift depending on time zones and travel schedules, describing it as a logical fit for people moving through an internationally recognized airport.

The council’s endorsement is required by the Liquor Cannabis Regulation Branch for new liquor primary licences or substantive modifications to existing licences. Following the decision, city staff will send a letter to the LCRB indicating Richmond’s support for the change.

For frequent flyers and workers at YVR, the vote means a potentially smoother late-night and early-morning option for a meal and beverages while waiting for departures, particularly for those passing through the USA and International Departures area after security screening.