"Special Occasion Permits are for the sale and service of beverage alcohol at special occasions such as weddings, charity fundraisers, receptions etc. Special Occasion Permits are issued through select Liquor Control Board of Ontario ("LCBO") stores throughout the province."

A Special Occasion Permit ("SOP") is required if you are planning to sell or serve liquor at special occasions, such as weddings, charity fundraisers and receptions. SOPs are available for any type of location other than a residence, but common areas of multiple unit residential buildings are not disqualified. It is unnecessary to obtain an SOP if an event is already being conducted under the authority of a caterer´s endorsement.

Permits are issued for the following types of events:  Auctions, Community Festival Events, Consumer Shows, Diplomatic Events, Fundraising Events, Market Research Events, Receptions, Significant Events & Trade Shows.

Special Occasion Permits are issued from select Liquor Control Board of Ontario ("LCBO") stores located throughout the province.  The following information on SOPs can be found on the AGCO website by clicking here:
                     
    Liquor Sales Licensed Establishments and SOPs                
    Private Places
    Classes of SOPs (Sale, No Sale & Auctions)                         
    Application Process

For more information visit www.agco.on.ca.

ORHMA Special Occasion Permit (SOP) Submission  - 2008        - See Below SOP Update - April 2011

• Mandatory service training strictly for public and promotional events but not for private events do post potential issues. 

  • Weddings and other socials can have consequences when not operating with similar alcohol training standards expected from liquor license operators.  
• Requirements are to be similar to permanent licensed establishments. Large scale events should only be operated by approved operators.
  • Compliance and enforcement including Server Training and Food Requirements
  • Risk License Rules in Monetary penalties and Condition Terms
  • Security Training and Certification
• SOP’s create more than their fair share of problems such as intoxication, impaired driving, serving minors, overcrowding, etc.
• Overcrowding issue need control systems including establishing proper ID procedures. 
  Permanent Operated Licensee Issues
• Control of festival traffic flow and liabilities need to be looked at in locations where restaurants exist.
• Extending closing times adds a disadvantage  to permanent licensee who operates with higher fixed costs and in many cases generates revenue from the tail end of festivals.