Special Occasion Permits

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence Act and specific sections of the Liquor Control Act, which together with the regulations made under them establish the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale and service of alcohol in Ontario.

The AGCO issues Special Occasion Permits (SOPs) when alcohol is offered for sale or is served anywhere other than a licensed establishment or private place. Special Occasion Permits are made online through the iAGCO portal.

The Clerk’s department reviews notification for SOPs for outdoor events. Notification of outdoor special occasion public events may be submitted by email to the Clerk with the following information:

• organization's name;
• address;
• contact person;
• date of the event;
• number of people invited or expected;
• times when alcohol will be served;
• food supplier;
• will a tent be set-up;
• will there be music, and the source; and
• drawing showing the proposed area.

For detailed information on applying for a Special Occasion Permit, please see the AGCO Special Occasion Permit Application Guide. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk’s Department.