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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.
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