There are a number of food and liquor permits people must apply for when selling or serving food and alcohol.
All food vendors must consult, and receive approval from, a public health inspector before the event in order to minimize the risk that food and beverages served at the event will adversely impact the health of the population in attendance.
Special events and farmers’ markets
Liquor sales
Temporary extension
The holder of a liquor sales licence may sell and serve alcohol in a licensed establishment where light meals are available.
Owners on occasion may submit an application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to temporarily extend the existing licensed areas to an adjacent area. Part of the AGCO application requires you to submit a copy of the letter to
- local police
- fire department
- public health office
- building officials
Notification must be received 30 days prior to the event.
The letter must include:
- the date, time, and exact location, and;
- capacity of the proposed extended licensed area, including any permanent or temporary tiered seating; and
- the nature of the event.
Special occasion permits (SOP)
Special occasion permits (SOP) are for the sale and service of alcohol at events such as charity fundraisers. These permits are issued through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) SOP service stores throughout the province.
Applications must be submitted to an LCBO SOP service store at least 30 days before the event takes place.
For outdoor events, the permit holder must notify, in writing:
- local municipality
- police
- fire department
- public health office
Notification must be provided at least 30 days before the event takes place if less than 5000 people per day are expected to attend the event, or at least 60 days before the event takes place if more than 5000 people per day are expected to attend.