Do I Need a Special Occasion Permit in Ontario?
If you plan to serve alcohol at a wedding, shower or party in Ontario, you may need a special occasion permit (SOP) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Here is when you do and do not need one, based on the AGCO's own guidance.
When you do not need a permit
The AGCO says you do not need a permit if you are serving alcohol to invited guests in your own home or a private place. It defines a private place as an indoor place where the public would not normally be and that is not rented out to the public. A company's private boardroom is the AGCO's example.
When you do need a permit
- Your venue does not have a liquor licence. Many banquet halls, hotels and wineries already hold a licence that covers your event. Ask the venue first. If they are licensed, you do not need your own permit.
- You are hosting an invite-only event somewhere other than a home or private place, such as a rented hall or a tent at a park. This is a private event permit.
- You are selling alcohol, charging admission, or raising money. Selling alcohol at a public or fundraising event needs a public event permit.
Free bar or cash bar?
For private events the AGCO has two permit types:
| Permit | When | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| No-sale permit | You serve alcohol at no charge to guests. You cannot sell drinks, tickets or charge admission. | $50 per day |
| Sale permit | You sell drinks to guests at a private event. | $150 per day |
Alcohol cannot be sold at a residence.
How to apply
You apply online through the AGCO's iAGCO portal. The AGCO says most private event permits are issued in about one day, but some can take up to 10 days, so apply well before your event. You will need the event dates and times, the location, and roughly how many people will attend.
Service hours
Under a private event permit, alcohol can be served between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. the following day. On New Year's Eve the end time can be as late as 3:00 a.m.
Who should serve the alcohol?
Smart Serve is the AGCO-approved responsible service training program for liquor licensees and their staff. Every Ludify bartender is Smart Serve certified, so the person pouring knows how to check ID, pace service and refuse service safely.
Official sources
- AGCO: Special occasion permits
- AGCO: Apply to sell or serve alcohol at a private event
- AGCO: Responsible liquor sale, service and delivery training
More planning guides
- How Many Servers and Bartenders Do I Need for My Event?
- What Does It Cost to Hire Event Staff in Toronto?
- Hiring a Server for a Dinner Party at Home: What to Expect
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