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Prepare and apply for a liquor Special Event Permit

Last updated on November 22, 2024

Find out what you need to do before you submit your Special Event Permit application. This includes fees, permit rules and responsibilities, and Serving It Right or Special Event Server certifications. 

Submit your application at least 4 to 6 weeks before your event.

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Permit holder responsibilities

You have specific requirements and responsibilities with your liquor Special Event Permit (SEP).

As the permit holder, you:

  • Must be 19 years or older
  • Must not consume liquor at the event
  • Are required to be at the event from the beginning of liquor service until the end of liquor service each day
  • Must hold valid certification (Serving It Right or Special Event Server)
  • Are responsible for controlling the event and behaviour of attendees
  • Are legally responsible at all times 
    • This means you (or your organization as the permit holder) are liable for any violation of liquor laws or SEP terms and conditions

For more information about permit holder responsibilities and requirements, read:

You cannot change the name of the permit holder once your Special Event Permit has been issued. You must withdraw and reapply for a new permit. 

  • The application fee is non-refundable and a new application fee must be paid

Serving it Right and Special Event Server certification

When you host an event with a Special Event Permit, you need either Serving It Right (SIR) or Special Event Server (SES) certification. These courses teach you about serving liquor responsibly.

  • You cannot use someone else's certificate number for your Special Event Permit 
  • Certification from another province may be accepted. Find information at Responsible Service BC

You can apply for your Special Event Permit without certification but you must complete training before your event date.

You are required to have your SIR or SES certification number on-site and available for inspection at your event. 

Which certification do you need?

The size of your special event will determine which certification you need. If you have a valid Serving It Right certificate, you do not need to complete Special Event Server training as well.

Small event (fewer than 500 attendees)

Special Event Server certification is required for permit holders, event managers and anyone serving liquor at a special event.

Large event (500+ attendees)

Serving it Right certification is required for permit holders and event managers for large events.

​​Rules for liquor Special Event Permits

During your special event, you must follow the B.C. liquor laws.

Before applying, read the:

Special event hours

Permitted hours for all liquor special events are:

  • Indoor events: 9 am to 2 am the following day
  • Outdoor events: 9 am to 10 pm the same day

When you apply for a liquor Special Event Permit, you can ask for an exemption to extend the hours beyond permitted hours.

Maximum number of attendees

The maximum number of people that can attend your event will be written on your Special Event Permit. This number is based on the occupant load of your venue and your application. 

  • For events over 500 attendees, you must have controls at each entry point and you must be able to count the number of people entering and leaving

Exemptions

An exemption is special permission to do something outside the normal permit policies. There is no fee to ask for an exemption for your Special Event Permit.

An exemption grants the applicant with permission to do one of the following:

  • Hold more than 24 events per year
  • Extend the hours of a special event beyond 10 pm for outdoor events or 2 am for indoor events
  • Charge more for drinks than the prices specified in the liquor price schedule
  • Make profit from events of municipal, provincial, national, or international significance

Significant events

Some events are designated as significant by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). If your event is designated for municipal, provincial, national, or international significance, you may be able to apply for an exemption to charge more for drinks and make a profit from the event. 

Municipal significance must be designated through a municipal resolution. These events:

  • Are unique to the municipality or local government alone
  • May have historical value specific to the region or benefit the community

Provincial, national or international significance is determined by the LCRB. They consider if:

  • Participants or performers at your event are primarily from the province, Canada, or around the world.
  • Your event attracts spectators from around the province, Canada, or around the world.
  • There is provincial, national, or world-wide media coverage of your event

Applying for an exemption

If you need an exemption, submit your request to LCRB.SEP@gov.bc.ca at least 30 days before your event.

You will need to:

  • Provide a reason for the request
  • Explain how you will prevent disturbing the nearby community (if requesting to extend the hours of your event)

Other rules

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Maximum number of Special Event Permits

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch generally limits an applicant to 24 Special Event Permits in one year.

In some cases, you may be allowed to apply for an exemption to have more frequent permits if:

  • The event is in the public interest
  • Permits are not being used in a manner more appropriate for a permanent liquor licence
 

Cannabis at special events

To find out how cannabis rules relate to special events, review Cannabis at a Special Event. 

Venue guidelines

You may need to confirm some details with your venue before applying for your Special Event Permit. 

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Site plan

A site plan is needed for all events. A site plan outlines the area that liquor will be served during your event. Your site plan can be a simple floor plan or map that outlines the liquor service area.

You will not need to upload your site plan when you apply for your permit, but you must have it on hand during your event.

  • Depending on the type of event, you might also be asked for a security plan. The LCRB will contact you if this is needed
 

Occupant load

You must also confirm the occupant load of your venue. An occupant load is how many people can safely use the space where you hold the event.

To find out the occupant load:

  • Contact the owner or landlord if you are renting a private space
  • Contact the municipality or fire department if you are renting a public space

If the maximum attendance limit on your permit is different from your occupant load, you must not go over the lower of the two numbers.

Notify the venue that you have a liquor Special Event Permit and will be serving liquor.

 

Events on public property

Before applying for a liquor Special Event Permit, check with the event facility or property manager to confirm that liquor service is permitted or if other local rules apply. 

You must have written permission from the local government authority if you plan to provide liquor service at an event on land or premises owned by a:

  • Municipal government
  • First Nation
  • Other provincial or federal government

Common examples of public property include events at:

  • Municipal parks
  • Recreation centres
  • Civic plazas

Your application will be denied if you do not get the local approvals for an event on municipal property.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) will work with you and with local authorities to determine whether approval can be granted. This may include adding approval conditions that:

  • Were not part of the original permit application, or
  • That change or restrict the permit

In some cases, local approvals cannot be granted, and it is not possible to continue with an event. In those cases, a permit would be suspended or cancelled.

Who to contact

For further information on local authority requirements:

  • Contact the local authority for the property or facility directly

No fee refunds are provided for cancelled permits:

Who receives a copy of the liquor Special Event Permit 

If they wish, local governments and First Nations may receive a copy of liquor Special Event Permits issued in their jurisdictions. Local police also receive information regarding permits issued in an area.

Fees

The fees for a liquor Special Event Permit (SEP) are:

  • Public special events: $100.00 per day/location
  • Private special events: $25.00 per day/location (includes a family SEP)

If you will be selling liquor at your event, read about PST and Special Event Permits.

Apply for a Special Event Permit

Log in to Special Event Permits Online

You need a BC Services Card or a BCeID to submit your liquor Special Event Permit application.

How you access the application will depend on who is applying for the permit.

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BC Services Card for B.C. residents

Use your BC Services Card, if you are a B.C. resident and:

  • A representative of an unincorporated organization
  • A representative of a non-profit organization, or
  • An individual applying for a permit
  • A sole proprietor can use their personal BC Services Card or a BCeID

Visit BC Services Card to learn about how to:

 

BCeID for businesses and non-residents

A BCeID allows non-residents of B.C. and businesses to access provincial services. You must have a BCeID to log in to the Special Event Permit application portal if you are a: 

  • Corporation
  • Partnership
  • Non-profit corporation
  • Sole proprietor, or
  • Not a B.C. resident

Apply now 

After you apply

After you apply for your liquor Special Event Permit, you will either get an email letting you know it is approved or a staff member will call or email you to ask for more information. 

Approval timelines

Make sure you submit and pay for your application at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance of the event.

Applications are processed with a priority placed on soonest event dates.

  • Submitting your application 30 days in advance is strongly recommended

Events that do not require police or LCRB review are approved automatically. Approval times can vary depending on the size and complexity of the event.

If the Special Event Permit requires an exemption, your application should be submitted no later than 30 days prior to your event start date. 

Application status

You can view the status of your permit in the Special Event Permit application portal. 

  • Approved: You can now pay for your permit and complete the application. Your permit will not be issued until payment has been received
  • Submitted: Your application is under review. A member of the LCRB staff will contact you for more information, if needed
  • Issued: Your application is complete and your permit can now be used for your event

Police approvals

Local police will review event applications with:

  • Five hundred or more attendees
  • Liquor service outside of standard liquor service hours 

Each police jurisdiction is responsible for monitoring pending approvals. If you are close to your event date, contact the relevant police jurisdiction for a time estimate.

  • Use the non-emergency number when phoning
  • Have your liquor Special Event Permit number ready

The police may recommend additional terms and conditions for the permit if they identify potential public safety concerns. This is subject to the LCRB approval.

Next: Before your special event

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