The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA), which together with its regulations and the standards and requirements established by the Registrar establish the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale, service and delivery of liquor in Ontario.
Among its responsibilities in the liquor sector, the AGCO oversees the administration of the Special Occasion Permit (SOP) program, which allows for the sale and service of liquor on special occasions, such as cash bars at weddings or private receptions, as well as larger scale events that are open to the public, such as charity fundraisers.
An SOP is required any time liquor is offered for sale anywhere other than in a liquor licensed establishment.
A tailgate event is a type of public event for which you can obtain an SOP. Tailgate events are held outdoors, in connection with and in proximity to a live professional, semi-professional or post-secondary sporting event. Permit holders may sell and serve liquor at the event. In addition, attendees 19 years of age or older must be allowed to bring their own liquor (BYOB) for consumption within the permitted area.
Permit holders and/or their designated Responsible Person must ensure compliance with the LLCA , its regulations and standards and requirements established by the Registrar.
The information and resources below will help you apply for a Tailgate Event SOP permit and better understand your obligations as a permit holder.
Note that you must first create an account via the iAGCO portal in order to apply for a permit online.