Effective May 6, 2019
The Government of Ontario has amended Regulation 389/91 (Special Occasion Permits) under the Liquor Licence Act to establish a new class of Special Occasion Permit (SOP) to allow tailgate events to take place in connection with and proximity to certain sporting events in Ontario.
To hold a tailgate event, organizers must be issued a Tailgate Event Permit by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
This new Tailgate Event Permit allows persons at least 19 years of age, or businesses, to host events where attendees can bring their own alcohol for consumption within the permitted area. Tailgate event permit holders also have the option of selling or serving alcohol to attendees, in addition to allowing patrons to bring their own alcohol.
In order to be eligible for a Tailgate Event Permit, the tailgate event must be held outdoors, at ground level, and the event must be in connection with, and in proximity to a live professional, semi-professional or post-secondary sporting event.
The application fee for a Tailgate Event Permit is $150.
The AGCO remains committed to protecting public safety and ensuring that alcohol is sold, served and consumed in a responsible manner. Permit holders must continue to meet all other existing requirements in the Liquor Licence Act, and regulations, including ensuring that there is no intoxication, disorderly conduct or promotion of immoderate consumption, and that patrons under 19 years of age are not consuming alcohol at the tailgate event.
Interested applicants may now apply for a Tailgate Event Permit through iAGCO, the AGCO’s online service delivery portal.
For more information on this new Tailgate Event Permit, please refer to the Tailgate Event Permit Guide or contact:
AGCO Customer Service
Telephone: 416-326-8700
Toll free in Ontario: 1-800-522-2876
Or via the iAGCO online portal