What is a Special Occasion Permit (SOP)? Do I need one?
A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is needed any time alcohol is offered for sale or served anywhere other than in a licensed establishment or a residence. The permit is meant for Special Occasions and not to run a business. A special occasion permit is not needed to serve alcohol in your home or any adjacent areas to your home, such as your backyard.
A Special Occasion Permit can be broken down into two categories.
Category 1: Public or Private events
Private Events are for invited guests only and cannot be publicly advertised. Advertising includes Facebook ads, Instagram ads and social media post. There can be no intent to gain or profit from the sale of liquor at the event.
Public Events are open to the public. These events can be advertised and fundraising and/or profit from the sale of liquor at the event is permitted. Public events include events of provincial, national or international significance, or events designated by the municipality as an event of municipal significance. There are several types of eligible public events:
Industry Promotional Events are public events held to promote a manufacturer’s product(s). Only Manufacturers or a licensed representative (or an event organizer acting on behalf of either) can provide or sell samples at cost or less and take orders for liquor purchases.
Tailgate Events are public events that are held in connection with, and in proximity to, a live sporting event and where attendees may bring their own liquor (BYOB) for consumption at the event.
Charity Events are public events that can only be conducted by a charitable organization registered under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or a non-profit association or organization for the advancement of charitable, educational, religious or community objects.
Auctions are conducted by a charitable organization, administrator or executor of an estate or law enforcement officer acting within the scope of their duties. Auctions may be conducted wholly or partly online.
Category 2: Sale or No Sale Permits
A No-Sale permit allows for the service and/or consumption of liquor at an event. Individuals cannot directly or indirectly be charged for the cost of liquor.
A “No-Sale” permit is required when:
liquor is served without charge;
no money and/or other forms of payment is collected directly or indirectly for liquor from guests (e.g. through admission charge or ticket sales); and
the permit holder absorbs all liquor costs.
A Sale Permit allows for the sale, service and consumption of liquor at an event.
A “Sale” permit is required for events where money is collected for liquor through, for example:
an admission charge to the event;
the sale of liquor (cash bar) or liquor tickets sold to people attending the event; or
the collection of money and/or other forms of payments for liquor before the event.
Once My Application is Approved, What Do I Do Next?
Once your permit is approved, you will receive a copy via email. Take this permit with you to the LCBO when you make your purchases. The cashier will put your permit number on your receipts. All alcohol must be purchased on the permit. If you have purchased your alcohol before your permit has been approved, ask LCBO if you can return and repurchase your alcohol on permit. On the day of your event please keep your receipts and permit with you incase and Inspector were to stop by.
Do I need a Smart Serve to get a Special Occasion Permit?
A Smart Serve is not a perquisite to obtain a Special Occasion permit, but it is highly recommended that you have one
Do I need insurance to get a Special Occasion Permit?
No. If you are renting a venue they may want you to have insurance but it is not required from the AGCO.
The LLCO is experienced in handling special occasion permits on behalf of our clients. We’ve simplified it to a quick process that requires a few minutes of your time and we take care of the rest.
Contact us today to get your Special Occasion Permit.