Note: As announced on June 30, 2023, the AGCO is extending the period to complete Smart Serve recertification. Certificates with an expiry date between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023 remain valid until September 1, 2023
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) would like to provide a reminder about Smart Serve recertification requirements.
Smart Serve Recertification Requirements
As announced on November 9, 2021, the AGCO has introduced a five-year term for all new and existing liquor training certifications. This means that anyone involved in the sale, service, delivery, or sampling of liquor, or who takes liquor orders from customers must complete the Smart Serve training program every five years.
The recertification requirement is now in effect:
- Liquor training certificates issued before July 1, 2018, will expire on June 30, 2023, at 11:59pm. This includes Smart Serve certificates and certificates issued prior to 1995 from the Server Intervention Program.
- Smart Serve certificates issued on or after July 1, 2018, will expire five years from the date of issuance (e.g., if you were certified on July 2, 2018, your certificate will expire on July 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm).
Note: Existing Smart Serve certificate holders can check their certificate expiry date by logging into their Smart Serve account.
Key Dates and Milestones
| Key Dates | July 1, 2022 | June 30, 2023 (11:59 p.m.) | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milestones | Smart Serve Recertification Opens All Smart Serve Certificates (new and existing) will include expiry dates. Certificate holders must recertify before their certificate expires to maintain a valid certificate. | Expiration Date Smart Serve certficates issued before July 1, 2018 expire at this time. | Smart Serve certificates issued on or after July 1, 2018 expire 5 years from when they were first issued. |
As of July 1, 2022, all Smart Serve certificates (new and existing) include expiry dates.
Smart Serve will offer existing Smart Serve certificate holders a discounted price of $29.95 to recertify if the program is completed before their existing certificate expires.
Note:
Licensees should make sure their employees are aware of Smart Serve recertification requirements.
It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure their employees have valid training.
For More Information
For more information about your certificate or the Smart Serve program:
- Visit Smart Serve My Certificate
- Contact Smart Serve Customer Service anytime at info@smartserve.ca or call Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at 416-695-8737 / 1-877-620-6082 (toll-free).
Helpful Resources
Note: Licensees should familiarize themselves with applicable sections of the LLCA, Regulation 746/21 (Licensing), Regulation 747/21 (Permits) and the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor to ensure they are in compliance.