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Overview
The provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) and its regulations establish the legislative framework for the liquor sector in Ontario.
The AGCO regulates the sale, service and delivery of liquor in Ontario. To help ensure liquor is served, sold and delivered responsibly, we established the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor, which licensees and permit holders must follow.
Licences, permits and endorsements
The AGCO is responsible for issuing Special Occasion Permits to the general public which allows for the sale and service of liquor on special occasions (e.g., cash bars at fundraising events, wedding receptions and other gatherings at a public hall).
The AGCO is also responsible for issuing various licenses to eligible applicants, including:
- establishments to sell and serve liquor to the public for on-site consumption (e.g., bars and restaurants).
- breweries, wineries, and distilleries (liquor manufacturers) to sell their product onsite
- liquor retail stores, including grocery stores, convenience stores, off-site winery retail stores and Brewers Retail Inc. stores (“The Beer Store”)
- licences for ferment-on-premises facilities (i.e., establishments that allow customers to make their own beer or wine)
- licences for liquor delivery services
- licences to represent a manufacturer
The AGCO may also issue various types of endorsements that provide additional permissions for licensees to sell and serve liquor under specific circumstances.
See Liquor Sales Licence – Risk-Based Licensing for more information on how we evaluate risk.
Residents in the municipality of a proposed liquor-licensed establishment have an opportunity to share their views and concerns with the AGCO during the liquor sales licensing process. Learn more about objecting to a proposed application for a new licensed location for liquor sales.
Compliance
The AGCO employs a risk-based compliance approach to the regulation of alcohol in Ontario. This allows us to focus the greatest resources on mitigating the highest areas of risk. The AGCO works with licensees and permit holders to help them understand their obligations and ensure they are operating in a safe, responsible and lawful manner. AGCO inspectors inspect licensed establishments and events to ensure that licensees and permit holders comply with the applicable laws relating to the sale, service and delivery of liquor.