SPECIAL OCCASION PERMITS

Do I need one?
A Special Occasion Permit is required if you are planning to sell or serve beverage alcohol at special occasions such as weddings, charity fundraisers, receptions, etc. and are issued through select LCBO stores located throughout the Province of Ontario.

You do not need a Special Occasion Permit if you are serving beverage alcohol in a private residence, including the attached property (e.g., front or back yard). The sale of beverage alcohol in a private residence is NOT permitted.

For more detailed information about SOPs
You can visit AGCO's Web site at http://www.agco.on.ca/en/b.alcohol/b3.specialpermit.html or call the LCBO or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You can reach the LCBO Infoline in Toronto toll-free at 1-800-668-5226 or in Toronto at 416 365-5900, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can call the AGCO toll-free (in Ontario) at 1-800-522-2876 or in Toronto at 416 326-8700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by e-mail at licensing@agco.on.ca.

How do I obtain a Special Occasion Permit?
You can obtain a Special Occasion Permit application form at any LCBO store or download a copy of the application form from the AGCO Web site at http://www.agco.on.ca/pdf/forms/1575B.e.pdf. Once you have completed the application form, you must take it to the designated permit-issuing LCBO store in the municipality where the event is to take place. Store staff can tell you where that is, you can call the LCBO at 1-800-668-5226, or in Toronto at 416 365-5900 or click here for a complete listing of LCBO stores issuing Special Occasion Permits.

Applications for outdoor events must he submitted at least 30 days before the event. Applications for indoor receptions must he submitted at least 10 days in advance.

Your responsibilities
The law requires those serving beverage alcohol not to supply beverage alcohol to those who appear to be intoxicated people. Recent court decisions impose civil liability on persons who supply beverage alcohol to a person who is intoxicated and who subsequently causes injury to other persons. In addition, organizers of the event and the operator of the location are responsible for making sure the facility meets health and safety requirements. Both you, as the organizer, and the building owners could be sued for failing to ensure that the premises are safe.

You are also responsible for abiding by the laws governing beverage alcohol sale and service in Ontario.

Remember:
Sell and serve only beverage alcohol bought under your permit at the LCBO, The Beer Store or Ontario wineries/breweries. Guests are not allowed to bring their own beverage alcohol.

Check photo ID of people you suspect are under 19 years of age. It is illegal to serve beverage alcohol to minors or allow them to consume beverage alcohol at a permit event.

You must offer your guests food, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Encourage responsible drinking, and don't serve any guest to the point of intoxication.

You may be held liable for the actions of an intoxicated guest.

Do not allow guests to drink and drive. Arrange for safe transportation.

Make sure the facility meets health and safety requirements, and that the number of people at the event is within the lawful capacity of the premises.

You are required to post the permit and the levy receipts at the location where the event is being held.

Assign a trained staff member to monitor the door and have enough security staff on hand to avoid problems. Train your staff in responsible serving practices by having them take the Smart Serve program. Call 416 695-8737 for more information.