SPECIAL OCCASION PERMITS

Special Occasion Permits are required if you plan to serve or sell beverage alcohol at any location which is not a licensed establishment or a private place or residence.

The event must qualify for a Special Occasion Permit under the criteria set out in the application.

What kind of event qualifies?

Special Occasion Permits are for special events such as weddings, receptions, charitable fundraisers, community festivals and auctions.

Permits are intended for occasional use only, not for ongoing profit-making purposes.

Your responsibilities:

When you apply for a Special Occasion Permit, you agree to be held responsible for the safety and sobriety of your guests. The law requires those serving beverage alcohol to prevent intoxicated people from hurting themselves and others, and recent court decisions reflect this.

In addition, the organizers of the event and the operator of the location are jointly responsible for making sure the facility meets health and safety requirements. Both you, as the organizer, and the hall owners could be sued for failing to ensure that the premises are safe.

Please contact the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) directly for more details on how to obtain a permit for your event.

website: www.agco.on.ca
General Inquiries: (416) 326-8700
Toll free: 1-800-522-2876