Determine if you need a liquor Special Event Permit

Family event

A family event needs a liquor Special Event Permit when it is held in a public place (not held in a private residence).

The event is hosted by a family member, or a friend of the family, to celebrate an aspect of family life. It is not open to the public.

A family event can include:

• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Birthdays
• Retirements
• Memorial receptions
• Pre-wedding parties commonly known as bachelor and bachelorette parties

Events for invited guests or ticket holders

You need a Special Event Permit for events in a public place that will be attended by:

• Invited guests
• Members and staff of an organization
• People who have been sold or given advance tickets

Tickets for private special events must not be sold at the door.

Beverage or beer garden

You need a Special Event Permit for a beverage or beer garden. 

A beverage or beer garden is a designated liquor service area at a public event.

Public venue or public property

You need a Special Event Permit for events held in a public venue or on public property.

Common examples of public property include events at:

• Municipal parks
• Recreation centres
• Civic plazas

Find more information about events on public property. 

If the venue already has a liquor licence, learn about special events in a licensed establishment.

Charitable fundraiser

Organizations need a liquor Special Event Permit to sell liquor for fundraising purposes. All proceeds, once costs have been recovered, must go to a non-profit charitable organization.

• Funds are to be used for charitable purposes only
• The recipient organization does not have to be a registered charity

Liquor tasting

Liquor tasting events need a liquor Special Event Permit (SEP).  Any non-profit organization or business is eligible to host a tasting event.

Tastings are limited to smaller sizes than at other events with a SEP.

Size limits are:

• Four ounces for beer, ciders and coolers
• Two ounces for wine
• One-half ounce for spirits

Hosts can charge per drink or charge for tokens or tickets that may be exchanged for drinks.

All liquor must be purchased by the permit holder from an eligible source before the event starts.

Private residences

You do not need a liquor Special Event Permit for events held at private residences. This is because police and government officials cannot inspect liquor permits if they’re issued in a residence.

• Areas that are part of a residence, such as a common room in a strata complex, are considered private residences

You can serve liquor without a permit in a private residence, however, you can’t sell liquor. 

Staff parties

You do not need a liquor Special Event Permit for a private party at your business if:

• The party is held when the business is closed
• There is no charge to attend
• There is no charge for liquor
• The place of business does not already have a liquor license

The party must be restricted to:

•  The employer or the business owner
•  Employees (staff) and their guests

If the business already has a liquor licence, you may need to de-licence and apply for a liquor Special Event Permit.