General
Q: What is a Tailgate Event?
A: A tailgate event is a type of public event for which you can obtain a Special Occasion Permit (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, and must allow attendees 19 years of age or older to bring their own liquor (BYOB) for consumption at the event, within the permitted area. To hold a tailgate event, organizers must be issued a Tailgate Event SOP by the AGCO.
Professional sporting events may include sports where the participants are major league teams such as members of the Canadian Football League (CFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Soccer (MLS). Semi-professional sporting events may include sports where the participants are minor league teams such as members of Ontario Hockey League (OHL), AAA baseball, United Soccer League Championship or the American Hockey League (AHL). Post-secondary sporting events may include sports where the participants are extramural, varsity or intercollegiate sports teams that are members of Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) or Ontario University Athletics.
Application Process
Q: How can I apply for a Tailgate Event Permit?
A: Applicants can apply for a Tailgate Event Special Occasion Permit through the AGCO’s online portal called iAGCO. To apply, applicants should select “Special Occasion Permit – Tailgate Event”.
Q: How old do I have to be to get a Tailgate Event Permit?
A: You must be 19 years of age or older to be issued a Tailgate Event Permit.
Q: Can I apply for more than one Tailgate Event in a single application?
A: Yes. You may apply for multiple tailgate event dates in one application. Please see the Tailgate Event Permit Guide for more details.
Q: How much does a Tailgate Event Permit cost?
A: A Special Occasion Permit - Tailgate Event costs $150 per day. Payment must be made at the time of the application in iAGCO, by Visa, MasterCard, Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit.
Q: When do I need to apply for my Permit?
A: You should apply to the AGCO for a Special Occasion Permit - Tailgate Event at least 30 days before your event.
Q: Is there anyone else I need to notify about my tailgate event?
A: Permit holders must notify, in writing, the local municipality, police, fire and health departments informing them of the tailgate event. The building department must also be notified if a tent, marquee, pavilion or tiered seating will be used. Notification to the municipality must be done at least 30 days before your event if you are expecting less than 5,000 people, or at least 60 days before your event if more than 5,000 people. Contact information for your municipality may be found on the Ontario Municipalities website.
If the event or activity is to take place in an area under the control of the National Capital Commission, written notice to the Chair of the Commission is also required.
Sale and Service
Q: Can I sell liquor at my tailgate event?
A: Yes, if you hold a Sale Tailgate Permit. Under a Sale Tailgate Permit, a permit holder for a tailgate event may sell and serve liquor at the event, though this is not a requirement.
Q: Can people bring their own liquor to a tailgate event?
A: Yes. Tailgate Event Permit holders must allow guests to bring their own liquor to the event and allow them to consume it within the permitted area, even if the permit holder will be selling liquor. Attendees may not sell liquor they have brought with them; only the Permit Holder may sell liquor if their permit allows for sale.
Q: Can people now bring their own liquor to other Special Occasion Permit events?
A: No. Guests may only bring their own liquor only to a Tailgate Event SOP. It is not permitted under any other type of Special Occasion Permit.
Tailgate Events
Q: Where can I hold a tailgate event?
A: Tailgate events must be held at an outdoor premises that is at ground level and in proximity to a professional, semi-professional or post-secondary sporting event. Tents, marquees, pavilions or tiered seating are allowed in the area under the Permit.
A proposed tailgate event must be within proximity to the sporting event to which the tailgate event is connected.
Q: Does the event area need to be fenced?
A: A fence is not required, however you must ensure that the area under the Permit is readily distinguishable from the surrounding areas where the Permit does not apply. Examples of partitions that could be used to make the permit area readily distinguishable may include, but are not limited to, fences, planters, or ropes.
Q: Can children attend a tailgate event?
A: Persons under the legal drinking age of 19 may attend a tailgate event, unless the Permit Holder has chosen to host an age-restricted event. Where persons under the legal drinking age do attend, they may not possess, obtain, or consume liquor and it is the responsibility of the Permit Holder to ensure this does not occur.
Q: What happens if the sporting event associated with my tailgate event is cancelled?
A: In this case, the tailgate event would no longer be considered “in connection with and in proximity to” a live sporting event. In these circumstances, the Registrar may revoke the Permit.
Responsibilities of a Tailgate Event Permit Holder
Q: What are my responsibilities as a Tailgate Event Permit Holder?
A: Permit Holders (or a designated Responsible Person) are responsible for ensuring the event is run in compliance with the Liquor Licence and Control Act, its regulations, and the standards and requirements established by the Registrar., regardless of whether liquor is sold or served by the Permit Holder or is brought by the attendees..
Q: Do I have to be present at the event?
A: As the Permit Holder, you or someone you have designated during the application process as a Responsible Person must be present at all times during the event.
Q: Do I need security for my event?
A: The permit holder must provide sufficient security to ensure that the conditions of the permit and the standards and requirements established by the Registrar are observed.
In order to determine whether security is sufficient, you should take into consideration the nature of the event; the size of the premises; and the age and number of persons attending the event.
Resources
- Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019
- Ontario Regulation 747/21
- Special Occasion Permit - Tailgate Event Guide
For more information, please contact AGCO Customer Service at 416-326-8700 or 1-800-522-2876 (toll free in Ontario), or contact the AGCO online via the iAGCO online portal.