The Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor (Interim Standards) require that licensees ensure that the following persons hold a valid certificate demonstrating successful completion of a training course approved by the Board of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO):

  • Every person involved in the sale, service, sampling or delivery of liquor or in taking orders for the sale of liquor;
  • Security staff whom the licensee employs or, in the case of a stadium, uses; and
  • Employees involved in the sale and service of liquor from motorized vending carts, as well as course marshals, for Golf Course Endorsement holders.

Licensees are encouraged to keep a copy of their employees’ certification. AGCO Inspectors may ask a licensee for proof of a staff member’s certification at any time.

Requirement to hold a Valid Training Certificate

The AGCO Board has approved a requirement that introduces a five-year term for all new and existing liquor training certifications. Individuals must recertify/renew their training to obtain a new valid certificate. 

Recertification began on July 1, 2022.  Liquor training certifications issued before July 1, 2018 expire on August 31, 2023 at 11:59pm.  Certificates issued on or after July 1, 2018 will expire 5 years from when they were issued. See this AGCO Info Bulletin for more information about recertification requirements. 

Smart Serve® Training Program

Smart Serve® (the Smart Serve Ontario training program), is the only AGCO Board approved sales and service training program in the province of Ontario.

The Smart Serve program is available online and can be completed individually or in a group in-class session offered by an approved organization. All final tests are proctored and must be completed online.

For more information please visit: www.smartserve.ca.

Head Office:

Smart Serve Ontario
5090 Explorer Drive, Suite 800
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4T9

Tel: 416-695-8737
Toll Free: 1-877-620-6082  
Fax: 416-695-0684

Website: www.smartserve.ca 
E-Mail: info@smartserve.ca

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