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During your special event

Last updated on May 14, 2024

Find guidelines to help you follow the rules and serve liquor responsibly during your event.

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Post the liquor Special Event Permit

Print your liquor Special Event Permit and post it in a visible location in the liquor service area during your event.

Keep on-site documents

Keep other documents on-site and available for inspection. Your permit will list the specific documents required for your event. They may include:

  • Site plan
  • Security plan
  • Serving It Right or Special Event Server certificate information
  • Receipts for liquor purchased or donated before the event
  • Drink price list
  • Incident log
  • Letter of exemption from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
  • Documents from police, local government and First Nation
  • Documents endorsing event significance (municipal, provincial, national) 

​Review the Special Event Permit Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 433KB) for more information on each document.

  • If signage is required for your event, you will find information in the Permit Documents section

For a printable checklist, download On-site Documents for Your Special Event (PDF, 72KB).

Remember your permit holder responsibilities

During the event, the permit holder:

  • Must not drink liquor at the event
    • You are legally responsible for the event at all times
  • Must be present during the hours of liquor service each day
    • If this is not practical, you can name a person who can substitute for you on a limited basis. Include a written letter of designation with your permit documents
    • If your event has over 500 attendees, this substitute must be approved, in advance, by a liquor inspector
  • Is responsible for controlling the event and the behaviour of attendees 

Find more details about your requirements and responsibilities as permit holder in the Special Event Permit Terms and Conditions Handbook (PDF, 433KB) and the Special Event Permit Policy Manual (PDF, 533KB). 

Serve responsibly

Remember the limits of your Special Event Permit (SEP) and serve responsibly.

  • Stay within the maximum number of servings indicated on your permit
  • Sell or serve liquor only during the hours indicated on your permit
  • Encourage moderate consumption at all times
  • Follow SEP serving amounts. The amounts you can serve to one person at one time are:
    • Two standard cans or bottles (12 oz or 355 mL each) for packaged beer, cider or coolers
    • Up to 24 oz (682 mL) for draught beer, cider or coolers
    • Up to 10 oz (284 ml) for wine by the glass
    • Up to 3 fl oz (85 ml) for spirit

Intoxicated guests

You must not permit an intoxicated person to enter or remain in the liquor service area.

  • They must not be served or sold liquor

If a person becomes intoxicated at the event, you must take reasonable steps to ensure they do not harm themselves or others while at the event or after leaving the event.

Drinking and driving

ICBC offers a Special Event Kit that to remind your attendees to get home safely. The kit includes materials to help you encourage attendees to use a designated driver or other safe options to get home. Order your kit from ICBC.

Next: After your special event

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