Bulletin 26-04: Raising the maximum drink prices for Special Event Permits

Who's impacted

This change applies to:

• Special Event Permittees

What's changing

To help Special Event Permit (SEP) holders manage costs and keep pace with inflation, as of August 24, 2026, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is increasing the maximum prices that may be charged for liquor sold under a SEP. 

The new maximum drink prices apply to special events taking place on or after August 24, 2026.

Permit holders with events scheduled on or after August 24, 2026, who submitted their application before the effective date and are not otherwise exempt from maximum drink prices, may choose to increase their prices to align with the new maximums. 

Permit holders that increase drink prices above the maximum amounts stated on their permit must append to their permit a copy of the General Manager’s statement [PDF, 149.6 KB] on maximum drink prices for SEPs, available for download with this policy bulletin, and keep it with other required on-site documents.

The updated maximum drink prices for Special Event Permits are as follows:

Maximum drink prices for Special Event Permits

	Maximum single serving size	Previous price: Public or private function (including 10% PST)	Updated price: Public or private function (including 10% PST)	Updated price: Public or private function (including 10% PST and 5% GST)
Packaged beer, cider or cooler	2 standard size cans (355 ml) or bottles – up to 12 oz. (341 ml) each	$5.00 Per can or bottle	$7.00	$7.35
Beer, cider or cooler	By the glass – up to 24 oz. (682 ml)	$5.00 Per 12 oz. (341 ml) glass	$7.00	$7.35
Wine	By the glass – up to 10 oz. (284 ml) By the bottle up to 750 ml (only if consumed by 2 or more people with food)	$7.00 Per 5 oz. (142 ml) glass	$10.00	$10.50
Spirits	3 oz. (85 ml)	$5.00 Per 1.5 oz. (43 ml)	$7.00	$7.35

Please note that if a permit holder applied for their SEP before August 24, 2026, the PST calculated was based on the former maximum drink prices. If they choose to raise their prices to the new maximum they will have to pay additional PST after the event.

Maximum drink prices are included in the SEP cost-recovery price list, which is designed to ensure that prices charged for liquor cover only the operating costs of serving and selling liquor. Operating costs include:

• The cost of liquor
• Mixes
• Glasses
• Ice
• Applicable taxes

Operating costs do not include expenses such as hall rental, entertainment, security, or charges for single-use cups required by local governments.

Please note that maximum drink prices may be exceeded if the purpose of the event is to raise funds for charity or if the special event has been designated by the General Manager as being of municipal, provincial, national, or international significance. Exemptions are requested during the application process through the liquor and cannabis licensing portal. If a special event has been granted an exemption, the approved maximum drink prices for the event is noted on the permit issued. 

Helpful information

For more information, refer to:

• Special Event Permit Policy Manual [PDF, 592.8 KB] – Appendix 2: Liquor pricing and the cost recovery price list
• Special Event Permit application at a glance
• PST and Special Event Permits